From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and education stakeholders have collaborated to fight against drug abuse among secondary schools students in Akwa Ibom state.
Schools selected for the two day sensitization campaign cut across the three senatorial districts in the state .
They include comprehensive
secondary school, Obotim. Nsit Ibom local government, Community Secondary school, Ukana East. Essien Udim LGA, Enwang Comprehensive secondary school, Mbo LGA, Independent high School, Essien Udim, Needed high school,Girls High school, Ayadehe Technical college in Itu ,St Michael’s school Midim, Abak and others .
Speaking at the two day sensitization campaign against drugs abuse in Uyo ,Akwa Ibom state capital, the Managing Director of NDDC Mr Samuel Ogbuku said the commission is committed to collaborate with key stakeholders, including government agencies, security operatives and educational institutions to enlighten students on the dangers of drug abuse.
“This will empower them to make informed decisions and establish student ambassadors to promote awareness on the dangers of drugs abuse by teenagers
Ogbuku who was represented by
Akwa Ibom State Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Engr. Evong Moduck Evong expressed concern about the upsurge of drugs and substances abuse, especially amongst primary and secondary school pupils/students in recent times
He expressed the commission’s resolve to assist by offering a lasting solution to the menace.
According to Ogbuku teachers should always sensitise their students on the dangers associated with drugs abuse.
He implored students to take the sensitization message from the seminar to their peers in their various schools.
Akwa Ibom State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency- NDLEA, Mrs Obot Bassey, represented by the State Deputy Commander, Mr Sylvanus Ugwu lauded NDDC for her people -centered programmes across the Niger Delta Region adding that the fight against drug abuse should be everyone’s business.
” All hands must be on deck in order to curb abuse of substances in various communities”.
Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Etop Antai said that the state government is in the process of coming out with a legal framework with the aim of banning and prohibiting certain drugs from being bought over the counter to prevent the accessibility of commonly abused legal drugs.
He warned against self medication, adding that any drugs taken by individuals should be based on doctor’s prescription.
“Excessive intake of drugs and other hard substances usually lead to negative effects in the central nervous system thereby causing mood and perception changes, as well as speed or slow down brain performance.
John listed effects of drug abuse to include; mental health problems, low productivity and poor performance for students, brain, liver and kidney damage, reduction of decision making abilities as well as spreading of infectious diseases among others.
” Psychoactive substances which can be inhaled, swallowed, and injected are transmitted to the brain.”
Lead Facilitator from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr Otu Umosen disclosed that the Agency is committed to controlling the supply of hard drugs and reducing its demands adding that there will be no demand when there’s no supply.
” Some of the youths take drugs to feel among while some are lured into it by their peers. Some people deal on illegal drugs and after getting money through illegal means, inject it into legitimate businesses, and that’s why when they are caught, we seize every business linked to them”.
“Narcotics such as codeine, tramadol and other pains killing drugs are predominantly misused by youths for wrong purposes. Students should always report to their teachers, any case of drug abuse in their schools.”
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