February 23, (THEWILL) – The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Obot Bassey, has raised the alarm over the overwhelming rate of drug abuse and addiction in the state, stating that it has reached an endemic stage and calls for the declaration of a state of emergency.
Obot raised the alarm during a courtesy visit to the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council. She revealed that the agency has seized over 2,000 kilograms of hard drugs, arrested 799 persons, and secured the conviction of 181 persons in recent times in connection with drug abuse.
She described as a worrying trend the situation where drug abuse has become deeply rooted in the very fabric of society, including primary and secondary schools, and even in most foods served at social gatherings, which contain traces of hard drugs.
The State NDLEA boss emphasised the need for increased awareness creation on the negative effects of illicit substances, particularly through traditional and social media, as well as among the general public.
“As we all know, the pen is mightier than the sword. I am here to collaborate with the media, represented by the NUJ members, to spread awareness about the dangers of hard drugs,” she said.
“The fight is a collective responsibility because we are not only fighting those arrested with substances but also their sponsors, who are mostly high-profile and unsuspecting individuals making fortunes from such trade.
“I am appealing to the media and the general public to create awareness of the dangers of hard drug abuse to save our underage children,” Mrs Obot appealed.
In his response, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk, pledged the union’s support to the NDLEA in tackling drug-related issues.
Etuk emphasised the importance of addressing the issue of drug abuse from the very basics, which is the home, reasoning that children who indulge in such crimes may be emulating parental behaviours.
“As a union, we will work in partnership with the NDLEA to combat drug abuse and related crimes. I want to appeal for improved welfare and working conditions for your personnel, given the risks associated with their work,” he said.
He also commended the agency’s efforts in collaborating with other security agencies to tackle crime and stressed the need for adequate protection for informants.
Comrade Etuk noted that members of the union are committed to maintaining professional standards in their reportage, assuring that, with the aim of promoting professionalism and a safer, healthier society in their day-to-day activities, no member will engage in unprofessional reporting.
