NDLEA advocates proactive campaigns against drug abuse in Imo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for more proactive campaigns to check the rising wave of drug abuse in Imo.

The Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, made the call on Friday, while presenting the award of “Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse” to the Chairman, Havana Group of Companies, Mr Myke Ikoku, in Owerri.

Marwa, represented by the NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Reuben Apeh, called on residents to support the agency’s efforts to curb the spate of drugs and substances abuse.

He decried the “alarming rise in drug abuse” and called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of the agency to stem the tide.

He thanked Ikoku for his commitment and personal efforts in carrying out public sensitisation on the menace and its health and socio-economic implications.

“We have come to appreciate your public awareness creation efforts which we have taken note of.

“On behalf of our chairman, I hereby confer on you the award of Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse,” Apeh said.

Responding, Ikoku thanked the agency for the recognition and pledged continued service to humanity as part of his corporate social responsibility.

“I’m very proud and happy to be here today, to be recognised for the wonderful job of campaigning against drug abuse which I consider as a corporate social responsibility.

“I’m grateful to NDLEA for recognising me.

“This is a fight we must win. We must do all we can in unity to save our society.

“We are all affected in one way or another so we must nip drug abuse in the bud,” Ikoku, a technocrat, said.

Also, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Mr Shehu Lamuwa, said the “astronomical rise” in drugs and substances abuse in the state had become “a cause for worry”.

He called on stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders and parents to join the fight against the unhealthy phenomenon.

It was reported that other senior management personnel of the agency in Imo attended the brief event.