By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stated that its command in Anambra State had within a period of six months between January and June 2025 made a total arrest of 213, total seizures of 435.8603kg, rehabilitated 52 clients, carried out 69 sensitizations cutting across schools, churches, communities and secured a total of 103 convictions.

This disclosure was made by the State Commander of the NDLEA, Anambra State, SC Onyeishi Daniel Ogbonna during the 2025 World Drug Day Commemoration held at the Awka campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Auditorium on Tuesday, 1st July, 2025 with the theme: "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention."

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike described drug abuse as a menace in the society and a real concern for all to stem the tide of its negative effects 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.

Dr. Obidike who was represented by Pharmacist Obum Nwadike informed that there is a need to intensify sensitization campaigns, support preventive education in schools and strengthen operations to dismantle drug networks. The scholar admonished parents to be vigilant, be present and instil the right values in their children.

In her address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi stated 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 Prof. Mike Oddih averred that the University is not merely concerned with teaching, research and community service but also keen in raising awareness on the dangers and negative effects of drug abuse for the overall wellbeing of the staff and students.

The State Commander NDLEA Anambra State, SC Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna in his remarks emphasized that the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is not the duty of the government alone but a national call and fight which must be embraced by families, faith leaders, youth groups, communities, civil society and the citizens of the nation.

Commander Ogbonna who was represented by the Deputy State Commander of the agency, DSC Dr. Chukwunyere Nwannennanya, FWC, noted that drug abuse is not just a health issue but a threat to peace, development and the future of the youth which has necessitated the need to adopt a comprehensive approach that promotes peace, fosters inclusive development and protects human rights.

In narrating the achievements of the agency in stemming the tide of Drug Abuse, he informed that in the past 53 months, over 26,000 persons have received counselling and rehabilitation while the NDLEA has also arrested over 66,000 offenders and seized over 11 million kilograms of illicit drugs. He called for collective support of all critical stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in combating the scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Delivering the Commemoration Lecture on the topic, "The struggle with the deadly pervasive practice of drug abuse: Quo vadis", the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Professor of Clinical Psychology, UNIZIK, Prof. Michael Ezenwa described the World Drug Day as a day set aside by UNODC to advocate for drug abuse prevention, treat and rehabilitation for users.

Prof. Ezenwa highlighted the key targets in stemming the tide of drug abuse as actions, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery programmes while disclosing the consequences of drug abuse as physical and mental health challenges, sexual risk and poor educational outcomes. 

Prof. Ezenwa informed that the World Drug Report of 2025 disclosed that 316 million people which is approximately 6 percent of the global population aged between 15 and 64 abuse drugs which represented an increase from the estimated 246 million people who used a drug in 2013.

The scholar stated that UNIZIK has what it takes to lead other universities in Nigeria towards achieving a relatively drug free campus which can be possible through collaboration and steady efforts by all in the fight against this society menace.

Others who lend their voices during the event is one of the key stakeholders in the fight against the scourge of drug abuse and the traditional ruler of Ogidi Community, HRM Igwe Alexander Onyido represented by his son, Prince Dr. Ifenna Onyido. There were remarks also from a representative from the IG Aguowo academic and health foundation; the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; the Secretary of UNIZIK NDLEA Committee, Mrs Urenna Okamgba among others.

In a vote of thanks, the President of UNIZIK WADA Club, Dr. Alexander Orji thanked all 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 schools, Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha emerged the overall winner ahead of St. Patrick's College Awka and Girls Secondary School Nnewi who came second and third positions respectively.

While for the UNIZIK undergraduate students' quiz competition which was held online, Divine Otito Chukwudi of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation came tops ahead of Lilian Chidiebere Chibueze of the Department of Public Administration who came second and Ikechukwu Godsent Oguoma of from the Department of Biomedical Engineering who came third. 

Richard Chidera Nwoke of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prosper Sopuruchi Ndubuisi of the Department of Economics and Wisdom Tochukwu Atuegwu of Law Faculty came fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Highpoints of the occasion was award presentations to individuals who have sustained the fight against drug abuse and reward of the secondary schools and undergraduate students' heroics in the quiz competitions.