By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has pledged the ministry’s full support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its campaign against drug abuse among school children.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh, who gave the assurance when the new State Commander of NDLEA, CN Onubuogu Charles Orakwue, paid her a courtesy visit, described the fight against drug abuse as crucial to securing the future of young people.
“As a ministry, we are committed to driving Governor Chikwuma Soludo’s vision of building a skilled and empowered generation. That cannot be achieved if our children are entangled in drug abuse. We must work together to reorient them through proper sensitization in schools,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner described the NDLEA’s efforts as “heart-warming,” adding that the ministry would partner with the agency to protect children from the scourge of drugs and safeguard the future of the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Orakwue called for the ministry’s collaboration in tackling drug abuse in schools, stressing the need to “catch them young.”
He explained that the NDLEA plans to intensify sensitization on the dangers of narcotics, tramadol, rubber solution, and even the harmful act of inhaling fuel and kerosene. He noted that rehabilitation centers are already overstretched with young addicts, describing the situation as alarming.
“As an indigene of Anambra, I have taken it upon myself to ensure we find a lasting solution to the menace of drug abuse in the state,” Orakwue said, while appealing for the ministry’s mandate to freely engage schools in awareness campaigns.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
