Abia First Lady launches aggressive grassroot campaigns against dru-g abuse, addiction | READ DETAILS

Abia First Lady launches aggressive grassroot campaigns against dru-g abuse, addiction | READ DETAILS

This campaign will not be limited to government efforts alone; it will involve all of us. We will take this fight to our schools, churches, marketplaces, and communities. We will engage parents, teachers, religious leaders, and youth organizations to ensure that every young person in Abia State is equipped with the knowledge and resilience to say NO to drugs.

The First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has on Thursday, launched an aggressive campaign aimed at combatting dru-g abuse and addiction to the root in the state.

The governor’s wife while meeting with the drug control committee at the banquet hall, government house, Umuahia on Thursday, expressed deep concern at the rate of dru-g abuse and addiction among youths of Abia.

Mrs Otti harped on the need to tackle first, the root causes of drug abuse—stress, peer pressure, lack of awareness about the dangers of substance misuse, among others.

She assured those who are struggling with addiction, that the government will work tirelessly to provide access to rehabilitation services, counseling, and support groups.

“We will also strive to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, recognizing that it is a disease that requires compassion, understanding, and treatment” the governor’s wife added.

Mrs Otti added that because of his unwavering dedication to eradicate drug abuse in Abia state, safeguard the future of the youth and ensure a healthier society, the governor, Dr Alex Otti recently approved the budget for the renovation of the rehabilitation center in Umuahia, for those struggling with substance abuse.

She called on stakeholders, churches, communities, schools, health workers to join hands in the campaign to eradicate dru-g abuse.

READ THE FULL SPEECH BELOW:

 

 

A WELCOME SPEECH PRESENTED BY HER EXCELLENCY, MRS PRISCILLA CHIDINMA OTTI DURING THE DRUG CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETING AT THE BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UMUAHIA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025.

 

Protocol,

 

1. I am honored to welcome you to this critical meeting on drug control. As the wife of the Governor, I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of drug abuse on our communities, families, and individuals. Today, we gather to address this pressing issue, and I am committed to working together to find solutions.

 

 

2. We must acknowledge that drug abuse is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach. It is not just a matter of law enforcement or healthcare; it is also about education, prevention, and community engagement. We need to work collectively to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and promote healthy lifestyles.

 

 

3. Drug abuse is a menace that has infiltrated every aspect of our society, destroying lives, families, and communities. As a responsible citizen and a concerned individual, I believe it is our collective duty to combat this problem. We must start by acknowledging the root causes of drug abuse—stress, peer pressure, or a lack of awareness about the dangers of substance misuse. Our youth, in particular, are vulnerable to these factors, and it is our responsibility to educate and empower them to make informed choices.

 

 

4. As stakeholders, we have a crucial role to play in this fight. We must work together to create awareness about the risks associated with drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and advocate for policies that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment.

 

 

5. As we discuss the way forward today, I would like to emphasize the importance of collaboration and partnership. We need to bring together government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. By working together, we can develop effective strategies to prevent drug abuse, treat addiction, and support recovery.

 

 

6. I propose that we establish a task force to coordinate our efforts, identify areas of concern, and allocate resources to support our initiatives. This task force will comprise representatives from various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and community organizations. We should also engage with schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations to promote awareness and education about drug abuse.

 

 

7. Furthermore, I suggest that we launch a public awareness campaign to educate our citizens about the dangers of drug abuse. This campaign should utilize various mediums, including social media, print, and electronic media, to reach a wide audience.

 

 

8. To those who are struggling with addiction, I want to assure you that there is hope. We will work tirelessly to provide access to rehabilitation services, counseling, and support groups. We will also strive to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, recognizing that it is a disease that requires compassion, understanding, and treatment.

 

 

9. Permit me to specially appreciate and commend my dear husband, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his unwavering dedication to eradicating drug abuse in our state. His commitment to safeguarding the future of our youth and ensuring a healthier society is truly commendable.

 

 

10. Recognizing the urgent need to support individuals battling addiction, His Excellency recently approved the budget for the renovation of the rehabilitation center in Umuahia, our capital city. This facility will provide much-needed care, treatment, and reintegration support for those struggling with substance abuse. But beyond rehabilitation, prevention remains our greatest weapon in this fight.

 

 

11. Education plays a pivotal role in drug prevention, and His Excellency understands that when young people are informed and engaged, they are less likely to fall victim to the dangers of substance abuse. This is why he has made basic education free in Abia State, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning. By keeping our children in school and equipping them with the right knowledge and skills, we are not only building their future but also shielding them from the dangers of drugs. An educated and empowered youth is less vulnerable to peer pressure and the false allure of substance abuse.

 

 

12. However, we cannot stop at rehabilitation and education alone. We must take proactive steps to protect our children before they are exposed to these harmful substances. As a mother, I am deeply troubled by how easily drugs have infiltrated our communities and endangered the lives of our young ones. This is why I am committing today to launching an aggressive, all-encompassing grassroots campaign against drug abuse.

 

 

13. This campaign will not be limited to government efforts alone; it will involve all of us. We will take this fight to our schools, churches, marketplaces, and communities. We will engage parents, teachers, religious leaders, and youth organizations to ensure that every young person in Abia State is equipped with the knowledge and resilience to say NO to drugs.

 

 

14. Together, we can and must protect the future of our children. Let us rise to the challenge, stand as one, and create a drug-free Abia State!

 

 

15. Esteemed stakeholders and members of the Abia State Drug Control Committee, I urge you all to join hands to combat drug abuse. Let us work together to create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for our citizens. I am confident that with our collective efforts, we can make a significant difference and build a brighter future for our communities.