A part of strategic plan to curb the menace of drug abuse in Anambra, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Governor, has initiated a comprehensive program named “Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse” with the theme “No to Drugs, Yes to Life.”
The flag off took place at the Cihcotel Classique Hotel in Awka, on 15th, June, 2024 where Mrs. Soludo introduced the “Healthy Living Overwatch,” designed to work in tandem with local authorities to monitor and combat drug-related activities.
Speaking, Mrs. Soludo emphasized the critical role of the community in tackling drug abuse, stating, “This responsibility is not the government alone with its limited resources, but all of us to deliver our household and society from the ravaging monster of drug abuse.”
She highlighted the establishment of the Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Club in primary and secondary schools to educate children about the dangers of substance abuse.
Mrs. Soludo urged mothers to be vigilant and proactive in their approach to preventing drug abuse among their children, noting the importance of open communication and awareness about the dangers of drug use.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Daniel Onyishi, presented evidence of the agency’s efforts in arresting drug dealers and users, emphasizing the focus on targeting manufacturers and major peddlers to disrupt the supply chain.
He noted that NDLEA has taken proactive measures by carrying out sensitization programmes in churches, and communities as well as made successful arrest including rehabilitating some of the abusers.
“In every 4 men there is one woman involved in the abuse. We encourage everyone to come together and join hands fight this ugly trend. If you see something say something. Let no body see drug as a business because it destroys life. Our society is being taken over by drug abuse and we must stop it”.
President General Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU) Barrister Akpudo Pius Called on the leaders in the community to join hands and eradicate drug abuse. “The very essence of fate is to help sanitize our homes, so that our children will be free from drug abuse. The future of our children lies on our hands and when we fail to play our roles as leaders, we have failed to ensure the future of our children. Let’s support the govement and this intiave for the good of all”.
House of Assembly member Represenring Aguata 11 constituency and Chairman on Health Committee, Hon Tony Muobike noted that the launch is for the future of Anambra state and the generations to come in order to ensure that they keep off from abusing drugs.
He Commended Mrs soludo for her onerous efforts to healthy living prgrammes for Anambrarians, while thanking Prof Charles Soludo for providing the enabling environment for Ndi Anambra to strive.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftancy Affairs, Hon Tony Nwabunwanne explained that it is important to take the message to the grassroots/individual communities where leaders and Igwes will play key roles to bringing to minimum drug abuse. While pledging support that the initiave will be supported by his office.
Dr Tochukwu Obiadi, APGA youth leader, noted that Anambra state have never in decades experiences the revolution going on in the state. He assured that under his leadership, the issue of Drug Abuse will experience a zero tolerance.
Comrade Ken Okoli, ASATU Youth leader, maintained that the youths are the primary target of the abuse. Citing youth restiveness, violence and community clash as resultant effects of Drug abuse. “Youths as catalyst for community development should as well take measures to desist from any firm of influence associated with drug abuse”. He added that are plans to inaugurate task force committee in the whole communtiies that will enforce strict discipline against drug abusers.
Some of the dignitaries present where the MD of the Ocha Brigade, Celestine Anere, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, various women groups, all pledged full enforcement support to eradicate drug abuse in the state.
News Echo reports that the initiative involves close collaboration with various state agencies, including the NDLEA, Ọcha Brigade, security agencies, WHO, State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, State Ministry of Health, State Ministry of Women & Social Welfare and State Ministry of Education to ensure a robust response to the drug menace.