WRITTEN BY EKWI AJIDE
Owing to the increasing number of stigmatization associated with drug use and abuse, stakeholders are calling for more aggressive sensitization activities to enlighten the
public about drugs and reduce the stigma. They called for sensitization activities targeted at community leaders, policy makers, journalists, and all stakeholders for effective and positive behavioural change which will serve as catalysts for other drug demand and reduction activities.
According to the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Onyido, advocacy activities should be designed in such a way that top government officials take the lead as it would give room for believability.
He advocated that programmes be targeted at relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the federal, state and local government levels.
Igwe Onyido who is also a pharmacist, said there’s need for funding of drug related programmes to sensitise the populace about the ill effects of hard drugs.
For the traditional ruler of Umueri Igwe Ben Emeka, advocacy activities are imperative owing to the stigma associated with drug use and drug users especially as there is low priority given to drug demand reduction programmes and funding by government.
He called for all hands to be on deck so as to galvanise the much needed support for drug demand reduction programmes which he said, would go a long way in reducing the problem of drug abuse in the society.
He re echoed the need for funding of drug awareness programmes in the country.
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