The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has identified prevention as the most effective way in tackling the abuse of illicit substances in the society.
Speaking at an event organized by the Akwa Ibom State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the State Drug Control Committee, to mark the United Nations’ International Day of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle’, Lady Obareki, urged NDLEA and other relevant bodies to shift focus to prevention as enforcement and rehabilitation alone are not enough to curb the menace of substance abuse.
She assured of the government’s commitment to strengthening preventive measures across the state through sensitisations in schools and collaboration with communities and non-governmental organisations in the state.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,’ serves as a timely reminder that the most effective way to address drug abuse is through prevention, rather than solely relying on enforcement or rehabilitation.
“Prevention saves lives. Numerous studies and real-life experiences demonstrate that early interventions, education, family support and community involvement are significantly more effective and cost-efficient than attempting to treat addiction after the damage has occurred. Therefore, we must shift our focus from reactive to proactive strategies,” she noted.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Elder Okokon Ufi emphasised the devastating consequences of drug abuse, particularly on the youth, who are the most affected, commending the NDLEA for its efforts in combating the scourge.
Senator Eyakenyi advocated for a more coordinated approach to awareness, where children receive drug education from primary through tertiary institutions, noting that the education would empower them to make informed choices and resist the influence of peer pressure that can lead them to drug use.
The Akwa Ibom State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Obot Bassey, noted that the Agency through preventive strategies have disrupted the initiation of drug use among young persons and mitigated associated health, social and economic consequences through the War Against Drug Abuse.
Mrs Bassey highlighted that the total weight of all exhibits recovered stands at 2,622.545kg, a total of 914 drug-related arrests made of 778 males and 136 females, out of which 220 were convicted and 96 persons rehabilitated.
She called on parents, educators, religious leaders and communities to join hands in creating a supportive environment that fosters healthy lifestyles and deters the use of drugs.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked annually on June 26, to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drug abuse and map out strategies to stem the tide.
Source: Sam Uko, FRCN Uyo
