By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stated that its command in Anambra State had within a period of one year between June 2023 to June 2024 seized over 2.8557 tons of illicit drugs including cannabis and other dangerous substances while a total of 360 suspects were arrested with 197 prosecuted and 258 persons counselled and rehabilitated.

This disclosure was made by the State Commander of the NDLEA, Anambra State, Onyeishi Daniel Ogbonna during the 2024 United Nation's Day Against Drug Abuse and launching of UNIZIK Drug Policy held at the University Auditorium of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka with the theme: "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention."

HRH Igwe Gibson Nwosu in his Chairman's remarks described drug abuse as a menace in the society and a real concern for all to stem the tide of its negative effect with proper sensitization not just at the higher school level but a message which should cascade down to the Post-Primary and primary school levels.

The Traditional Ruler of Awka Kingdom who was represented by his palace secretary, Chief Pius Okonkwo eulogized the NDLEA Anambra Commander for his doggedness in the fight against the scourge right from the time he assumed office to this point geared towards curtailing the abuse in the administrative capital of the state to the barest minimum. He advised government at all levels in the federation to assist the NDLEA in sensitization, skill training, rehabilitation of drug peddlers to achieve a drug free society.

In his address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu streesed that the intent of the annual marking of the International Drug Day is to raise global awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse or misuse on the physical and psychological health of the individuals concerned which in many cases lead to fatalities on the society and on national economies.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo informed that the University is not merely concerned with teaching, research and community service but also raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse for the overall wellbeing of the staff and students.

The State Commander NDLEA Anambra State and Commander of Narcotics, Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna in his remarks averred that the United Nations dedicated 26th of June to campaign for a world taking over by drug trafficking and abuse, a practice which dates back to December 7, 1987.

Commander Ogbonna noted that great danger threatens humanity through illicit Drug trafficking and abuse as the research conducted recently records that tens of millions of people suffer from substance use disorder and only one fifth are receiving treatment. He disclosed that drug users are usually victimized first, by the harmful effects of the drugs itself and the stigmatization and discrimination they face in the society. He added that it is based on this that the UN focus on 2024 World Drug Day with theme: "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention".

Delivering one of the Commemoration Lectures on the topic, "United Nations Day Commemoration", the Head, Department of Psychology, UNIZIK, Prof. Anthony Nebedum affirmed that substance abuse pose significant challenges globally with its consequences facing reaching encompassing health issues and increasing economic burden. He disclosed that a UN report of last year revealed that 275 million people worldwide are engaged in drug abuse while 39.5 million people are now having mental disorder for using drugs.

The scholar also suggested that a strong policy on regulating alcohol usage in Nigeria should be in place as record shows that 12.3 million litres of alcohol was consumed in 2016 by Nigerians of age of bracket of 15 years and above which is higher than the global world rating of the same year. He suggested subsidized health care for people who are being treated and rehabilitated owing to drug use disorder and sensitization programs aimed at curbing or stoppage of drug abuse completely by the youths.

On his part, Mr Ameh Inalegwu, a former assistant state commander of the NDLEA, posited that the evidence is clear that a great danger threatens humanity if the issues relating to drug abuse is not discussed. Inalegwu disclosed that the UN projection for 2030 about Nigeria is that drug usage will accelerate to 40 percent increase, he suggested that the fight against drug abuse should not be left alone for the government but communities should do the needful by developing communal law that will punish offender of drug peddling and abuse.

In a vote of thanks, the President of UNIZIK WADA Club, Dr. Alexander Orji thanked all and sundry who made the year's celebration colourful, he informed that the fight against drug abuse should be continuous in the quest to make our environment drug free.

The World Drug Day celebration also featured quiz competition for secondary schools and undergraduate students of UNIZIK. In the quiz competition for the secondary which featured questions on English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Drug and Igbo Language, Mater Amabilis Secondary School Umuoji emerged the overall winner ahead of St. Charles Secondary School Onitsha, Community Secondary School Nanka and St. Lucy Secondary School Ifite, Awka who came second, third and fourth positions respectively.

While for the undergraduate quiz competition which was held online had Charles Irene Chinonso of the Department of Microbiology emerging tops ahead of Eloka Oriaku Ike of Department of Estate Management who came second and Orji Favour Onyekachukwu who came third.

Highpoints of the occasion was the launching of the UNIZIK drug policy, awards to individuals who have sustained the fight against drug abuse and reward of the secondary schools and undergraduate students' heroics in the quiz competitions.