From Owen Akenzua , Asaba
Delta State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Abubakar Wada said over 14.6 percent of Nigerians are drug abusers.
Wada made the assertion yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on the management of the University of Delta, UNIDEL, Agbor.
Wada stated that his team was in UNIDEL to seek collaboration and partnership with a view to address the issue of drug abuse.
He added that the statistics of drug abusers in Nigeria, especially in higher institutions and its environs are alarming and threatening.
Wada noted that the agency has started organising enlightenment programmes on campus to educate both staff and students on the dangers of drug abuse.
“To holistically address this problem, the Delta State government has established three rehabilitation centres and we are doing our best to carry out the anti-drugs campaign effectively.
“We have also established drug free clubs in Delta State secondary schools as part of measures to curtail the problem.”
The commander also disclosed that the agency is making concrete arrangements to adopt the policy of Drug Integrity Test among students in higher institutions.
Responding, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Professor Stella Chiemeke commended the agency for bringing the drug abuse advocacy to the university.
She disclosed that the campaign is apt and assured NDLEA of strong collaboration and partnership.
Professor Chiemeke said the agency would be invited during the students 2024/2025 general orientation exercise to educate them on the dangers of drug abuse.
The NDLEA commander was accompanied by the Deputy State Commander, Operations and Training, DCN, Chris Owoeye, State Command PRO, John Kennedy Edoziem, ASN Akawu Audu and ASN Grace Chukwuejekewu.
They were received by the vice chancellor, Bursar, Mr Sunny Ikeogwu, and the Dean of Management Science, Dr Andrew Ugbah.
