Imo Govt advises youths to shun illicit drugs, embrace productivity

 The Imo Government has advised youths of the state to shun the use of illicit drugs and embrace productivity to better their lives. 

 

Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, gave the advice during an enlightenment program on drugs which he organised in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, at Ezinihitte Mbaise council areas of Imo, on Sunday.

 Obonna described the use of illicit drugs as a bane of productivity among the youths.

 He thanked Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation and the (NDLEA) for thinking toward the youths adding that the Uzodinma led administration would roll out more youth-friendly initiatives. 

 He expressed concern over the progress and success of Imo hence the creation of the office on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring in the state. 

 He further advised the youths to rather embrace the acquisition of digital skills as well as the practice of agriculture for survival.

 “ The motive of Government in establishing the bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring is to make Imo a drug free state which will go a long way in making Imo a great state as youths are the future of tomorrow and catalysts for development “, he said. 

 Speaking, Imo NDLEA’s Deputy State Commander, Operations and Training, Mr Lamuwa Shehu, described the abuse of drugs as a global problem noting that youths who engage in illicit drugs neither live healthy lives nor become useful.

 “ About 280 million people use drugs worldwide, while 15 million persons abuse drugs in Nigeria and 6 million persons are victims who are in dire need of help “, he said.

Also, Chiamaka Ugbede, the Principal Staff Officer, Treatment and Rehabilitation, of the NDLEA in Imo urged the youths to shun drug abuse so as to focus on making the best use of their time, resources and talents. 

 The Founder, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, Chief Summers Nwokie, said that the program was intended to disabuse the minds of youths from illicit drug use.

 He thanked government and the NDLEA for partnering with his foundation for the good of the youths and promised to assist in the rehabilitation of any youth willing to quit drug use and offer meaningful assistance to rebuild youths in the community who are interested in making a better life.