Abia First Lady Commits to Tackling Drug Abuse in State as Drug Control Committee Begins Work

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has expressed commitment to fashioning a collective action to wage successful war against drug abuse in the state.
She stated this yesterday in her address at the “critical meeting” of the State Drug Control Committee at Government House Umuahia, saying that converted efforts were needed to combat the menace.
“As the wife of the governor, I’m deeply concerned about the devastating impact of drug abuse on our communities, families, and individuals.
“As a responsible citizen and a concerned individual, I believe it’s our collective duty to combat this problem,” she said. 
The First Lady said that there was no denying the fact that drug abuse “is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach” hence committee members must put on their thinking caps “to address this pressing issue”.
She noted that the problem of drug abuse would not be solved using kinetic approach by way of law enforcement or even by provision of quality healthcare services.
Instead, the Abia First Lady said that measures that would tackle the root causes of the menace should be adopted. She listed education, prevention, and community engagement as effective approaches to combat drug abuse.
“We must work together to create awareness about the risks associated with drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and advocate for policies that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment.
“We need to bring together government agencies, civil society organisations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to share knowledge, resources, and best practices,” Mrs. Otti said.
According to her, by working together, “we can develop effective strategies to prevent drug abuse, treat addiction, and support recovery.”
She noted that youths were most vulnerable to drug abuse and addiction given the root causes of the problem, which include stress, peer pressure, and lack of awareness about the dangers of substance misuse.
“It’s our responsibility to educate and empower them to make informed choices,” she said, adding that “as stakeholders, we have a crucial role to play in this fight”.
As a way forward in the campaign, she proposed setting up “a task force to coordinate our efforts, identify areas of concern, and allocate resources to support our initiatives.”
“This task force will comprise representatives from various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and community organisations.
“We should also engage with schools, community centers, and faith-based organisations to promote awareness and education about drug abuse,” the First Lady said.
Furthermore, she suggested that “we launch a public awareness campaign to educate our citizens about the dangers of drug abuse”.
“This campaign, she explained, “should utilise various mediums, including social media, print, and electronic media, to reach a wide audience.”
The Abia governor’s wife assured those struggling with addiction that “there is hope” because the Drug Control Committee was out to assist them rebuild their shattered lives.
“We will work tirelessly to provide access to rehabilitation services, counseling, and support groups.
“We will also strive to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, recognising that it’s a disease that requires compassion, understanding, and treatment,” she said.