The wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged youths in the state to shun drug use for the sake of their personal health, future and the society at large.

She gave the advice while flagging off Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse Campaign, in Awka on Thursday.

According to her, drug abuse has resulted in increased violence and crimes, higher prevalence in Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV/AIDS, and collapse in the social structure.

‘Our homes are losing the sacredness of culture and moral traditions.

‘Our communities have become havens for drug peddlers and manufacturers who use the element of fear and intimidation to silence the people who are willing to assist local authorities with valid information.

‘Healthy Living initiative is championing this fight in schools and communities to break the wall of illicit drugs economy which is booming at the detriment of our society.

‘We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report same to
security agencies.

‘The target is to make everyone a driver of solution to rid Anambra state of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,’ Soludo said.

Mr Daniel Onyishi, Anambra Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the agency was working with the Governor’s wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in Anambra.

According to him, one out of every four user of illicit drugs is a woman.

‘According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done.

‘The major concern is that women, especially young girl are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abuser is a woman and one out of five will suffer substance abuse disorder.

‘Women are key nurturers, moulders and caregivers in the society and should not be involved in illicit drug abuse,’ he said.

The NDLEA Commandant urged community leaders to support th
e agency with information about drug dealers in their environment.

In his remarks, Mr Titus Akpudo, President-General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, promised to take the message against substance abuse to the nooks and crannies of the state.

‘As community leaders, we must support the governor’s wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will hunt us in future,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria