By Sara Eze
Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthen collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Governor Soludo gave the assurance during the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by the Anambra State Command of the NDLEA at the Federal Secretariat, Awka.
The event, with the theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, students and other stakeholders to reinforce efforts aimed at tackling illicit drug use and trafficking.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha-Mba, the governor described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to public health, security and national development.
He said substance abuse destroys lives, weakens families, fuels criminal activities and undermines economic productivity, adding that the state government has continued to invest in youth empowerment, education, sports, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship to steer young people away from crime and drug abuse.
According to him, the Soludo administration’s youth development initiatives have equipped thousands of young people with vocational, digital and technical skills, providing meaningful alternatives to substance abuse and criminality.
“We firmly believe that an engaged and empowered youth population is less vulnerable to drug abuse and its associated consequences. Sports, education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition remain effective non-kinetic approaches to crime prevention,” he said.
Agha-Mba stressed that combating drug abuse requires the collective efforts of governments, families, schools, religious organisations, civil society groups and community leaders. He also commended the NDLEA for sustaining its annual secondary school anti-drug quiz competition, describing it as a platform that promotes awareness, academic excellence and responsible citizenship.
Earlier, the Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Charles Onubogu, called for stronger community participation in the fight against illicit drugs, insisting that law enforcement agencies alone cannot eliminate the menace.
He said the command had adopted a balanced strategy of drug supply reduction and demand reduction through enforcement, rehabilitation, counselling and sustained public sensitisation.
Onubogu disclosed that within his eleven months in office, the command arrested 517 suspects, seized about 1.8 tonnes of illicit drugs, secured 128 convictions, rehabilitated 102 clients, counselled 445 drug users, and conducted drug abuse awareness campaigns in more than 120 schools, churches, communities, motor parks and corporate organisations across Anambra State.
He urged young people to reject substance abuse, warning that drugs offer temporary relief but ultimately destroy lives and future aspirations.
The NDLEA commander also appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant, describing families as the first line of defence against drug abuse, while urging communities to report suspicious drug-related activities and support victims seeking rehabilitation instead of condemnation.
Onubogu commended the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration with the agency.
He also acknowledged the support of the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, Igwe Alexander Onyido, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ben Pharmachem Limited, for sponsoring the annual anti-drug quiz competition for secondary schools and supporting the command’s weekly radio awareness programme.
Representatives of the Commissioners for Education and Environment urged young people to shun illicit drugs and remain focused on education and productive ventures while calling for stronger multi-sectoral efforts to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking.
The event featured the grand finale of the 12th edition of the annual anti-drug quiz competition for secondary schools. St Patrick’s College, Awka, emerged overall winner, receiving a cheque of ₦122,000, laptops and other prizes. Christ the King College, Onitsha, came second with a cheque of ₦112,000, laptops and cash awards, while Stella Maris College, Umueri, placed third, receiving a cheque of ₦99,000, cash prizes and a 32-inch television.
The ceremony ended with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among government agencies, communities, schools, families and the private sector to build a safer, healthier and drug-free society.
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