By Uche Onyeali
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in collaboration to the West African Action Network On Small Arms, WAANSA, on Thursday took it Anti-drug campaign to Premiere Academy in Lugbe, Abuja.
The anti-narcotics campaign in schools is aimed at sensitising students at the foundation level on the dangers of drug abuse, both to their future and the society.
Speaking at the occasion, the NDLEA commander in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Commander of Narcotics, CN, Kabiru Tsakuba highlighted to the students the setback that could follow their dreams, especially their academic pursuit, with drug addiction.
Tsakuba, who was represented by the FCT deputy commander of NDLEA, Asa Ayodeji Oluwole, said the agency would establish a drug-free club in Premiere Academy and other schools in the country to co-opt the younger ones in the fight against drug abuse.
In his address, the regional 1st vice president of WAANSA, Comrade Martin Igwe admonished the students to heed NDLEA’s enlightenment and join the campaign for a drug-free Nigeria.
Igwe further disclosed a plan to create a War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, office in the school, with the students as ambassadors of the campaign against illicit use of banned substances.
Demonstrating the dangers of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages among citizens, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mr. Augustine Nduka noted that drug addiction is a disease accompanied by chronic illness, highlighted some measures to help victims of such anomaly.
Noting that illicit drug addiction is not only a disease of the brain, but also a relapsing disease, Nduka said victims could only be helped through rehabilitation, adding that without treatment a victim would only “end up in the street.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the principal of Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Mr. Chris Akinsowon expressed gratitude to the NDLEA and WAANSA for the initiative, which he said would go a long way in educating the younger ones on ways to avoid illicit drugs intake and also help them in choosing the right company and friends.
Akinsowon further disclosed that the school had already come up with various initiatives to guide the students against drug abuse.
Highlight of the event was presentation of merit awards to the WAANSA 1st regional vice president and the FCT NDLEA commander for their contributions in the fight to rid Nigeria of negative activities and behaviours.
