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Non-governmental organisation, Ese Usamali Foundation For Rural Development (EUFORDe), and her partner, Ududu Development and Peace Initiative (UDeP), have collaborated with government agencies and other stakeholders to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, seeks to raise global awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
As part of activities marking the day, EUFORDe and representatives of her partner organisations led street walks to schools and markets at Rumuogba and Rumuomasi communities to sensitize community members on the negative impact of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Executive Director of Ese Usamali Foundation For Rural Development (EUFORDe), Mrs Mercy Eseroghene Elemchukwu-James, said this year’s theme, ‘Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All,’ emphasized a health-centered and compassionate approach over punitive measures.
She said this approach calls for investment in prevention, education, healthcare, and alternative livelihoods; reducing stigma and discrimination against people with drug use disorders, among others.
Elemchukwu-James said drugs pose a threat and danger to its users and society at large.
She stressed the negative health, social and economic impact of drug use and illicit trade, pointing out that these cost some countries up to 2% of their annual GDP.
Elemchukwu-James, whose organisation “is committed to promoting health, security and justice for all,” called on the Federal Government to Introduce Drug Education Curriculum for children, to curb drug abuse among children.
In separate speeches, the Zonal Commander, Zone 14, ACGN Matthew Ewah, NDLEA Rivers State Commander, CN Ahmed Mamuda; Head of Drug Demand Reduction Unit of NDLEA, Mrs Grace Adeniyi; Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, Dr. Mekele Comfort Igwe; PSN Chairman, Pharm Lekia Princewill and PCRC Chairman, Mr Voke Emore, stressed the negative impact of illicit drugs on users.
The various speakers explained that illicit drugs are illegal, and when ingested, disrupt normal body functions and health, jeopardizing the future of young people and all other drug users.
Organisations that joined EUFORDe to mark the Day Against Drug Abuse include: the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Commission (NSCDC), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the PCRC.
