The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Anambra State Command has honoured Governor Willie Obiano for his support to the agency in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
The Command presented the award at the 2021 commemoration of United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Presenting the award, the state commander, NDLEA, Mr. Mohammed Idris said the problem of drug abuse and crime is one concern that Governor Obiano takes seriously and commended him for the political and logistics support that the agency receives from the state government.
Receiving the award, Governor Obiano assured that Anambra State Government will ensure that an international standard rehabilitation center for drug dependent persons will kick off in the state before the end of next year.
The governor, represented by the commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala also revealed that plans are in place to ensure better regulation and control of patent medicine dealers to prevent them from dispensing controlled drugs.
The chairman on the occasion, Igwe Alex Onyido, of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area asked Anambra State Government to set up a full-fledged agency that will be saddled with sensitization against drugs and substance abuse and increase budgetary allocations made to the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and trafficking, saying it will go a long way to reduce the spate of crime and criminality in the state.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Charles Esimone represented by his deputy in charge of academics, Professor Fredrick Odibo, said the need to reduce illicit drug demand is more important at this time that Nigeria is faced with a lot of criminal activities stating that there is a very clear link between drug abuse and crime.
The United Nations Day against Drug abuse and Trafficking otherwise known as World Drug Free Day is marked every June twenty-sixth and was set aside to create awareness against the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The Theme for this year is “Share Drug Facts, Save Lives.”
The event held in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Professionals was also used to present prizes to winners of the NDLEA-Lady Victoria Onyido Quiz Competition for all Secondary Schools in the state won by Community Secondary School, Obeledu, Anaocha Local Government Area.
Maria Regina Model Comprehensive Secondary School Nnewi came second while Eastern Academy Onitsha came third.
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