Mon. Nov 11th, 2024

From TCNEWS

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, CEHRAWS has called for the establishment of rehabilitation centers, equipped with the required medications including the introduction of sustainable modalities for the victims rehab and reintegration, as Nigeria joined the rest of countries across the globe to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to a release signed by Mr. Chuka Peter Okoye, CEHRAWS Executive Director and made available to newsmen, the Centre also recommended an awareness increase through the implementation of comprehensive educational programs to inform communities about the dangers of drug abuse as well as foster collective action by mobilizing community leaders and stakeholders to participate actively in combating drug abuse.

On the year 2024  theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the Centre pointed out that the theme underscored the critical importance of preventing individuals from experimenting with illicit drugs and consequently becoming dependent on psychoactive substances. 

According to the Centre, the also reminds the citizens and the critical stakeholders that breaking the cycle of suffering starts with prevention, hence the urgent need to invest in evidence-based drug prevention programs.

Mr. Okoye who reaffirmed the commitment of CEHRAWS to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking, said, with the collective efforts of all, “we can protect individuals and communities, significantly reducing the influence of illicit economies profiting from human misery”.

CEHRAWS also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia State Command, for their relentless efforts and collaboration with relevant bodies in addressing this menace through their result-oriented Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) programs.

While also acknowledging and appreciating the support of the government, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for creating an enabling environment for the NDLEA and sister agencies to execute their mandates effectively in Abia state, CEHRAWS decried that Drug abuse has remained a significant danger, particularly for teenagers in rural communities, where dependency rates are alarmingly high.

Pix: Mr. Chuka Okoye Peter .

“Drug abuse poses severe risks to public health, safety, and economic stability. Research conducted in collaboration with the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) reveals that 1 in 4 young adults in our communities is involved in drug abuse, and 1 in 8 has developed a dependency. If left unchecked, this trend threatens to undermine the social and economic fabric of our state.

“There is an urgent need for drastic measures to curb this growing menace. The SEA-P on DDR initiative, detailed in the concept note we forwarded to the Abia State government, aims to address these challenges through a strategic and community-centric approach”, the Centre advised.

It further recommended the creation of Safe Communities, which will help in the development and enforcement of localized DDR strategies to achieve drug-free communities.

The Centre which went further to highlight the essence of monitoring and evaluating the DDR strategies, asserted that regular assessment of the effectiveness of DDR initiatives would help to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation.

“CEHRAWS is ready to partner with the government and other relevant stakeholders to fight against drug abuse through the introduction of our Strategic Engagement and Advocacy Project on Drug Demand Reduction (SEA-P on DDR). This project aligns with Abia State’s commitment to creating a safe, productive, and business-friendly environment.

“Together, let us invest in prevention and take significant strides toward ending the plague of drug abuse and trafficking”, the release read further.

By NWAMARA

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