Mrs. Otti Champions Drug Abuse Prevention in Abia as NDLEA and State Government Lead Awareness Walk
In a powerful show of solidarity against the rising tide of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the Abia State Government, spearheaded a city-wide anti-drug awareness walk through the streets of Umuahia.
The awareness campaign was part of the global observance of the 2025 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention (Break the Cycle, Stop Organised Crime).” The event attracted a diverse coalition of participants, including government officials, civil society groups, youth advocates, and state agencies, all united in a common mission: to safeguard Abia’s future by protecting its youth from substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Otti-led administration to champion preventive strategies against drug abuse. Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, Mrs. Otti emphasized that the battle against drug addiction must begin with proactive education, community engagement, and support for vulnerable groups—especially young people.
“Our youth have limitless potential and a bright future ahead. We must continue to guide, inform, and protect them from the dangers of substance abuse,” she said, while commending the NDLEA for its consistent efforts in combating drug-related crimes and addiction.
Mrs. Otti also called for greater collaboration between families, schools, health institutions, and religious organizations in creating a value-driven environment where young people can thrive free from the grip of harmful substances.
The Acting State Commander of NDLEA Abia Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN) Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, delivered a compelling message about the significance of prevention in addressing the root causes of drug abuse and organized crime.
“Organised crime often stems from societal issues such as poverty, lack of education, broken families, and unresolved trauma,” DCN Chilee noted. “If we treat addiction as a public health issue and invest in preventive mechanisms, we will make a lasting impact—starting with our children before they are exposed to the streets.”
He called for increased investment in family life programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, mental health support, and grassroots drug education to build long-term resilience among young people.
The awareness walk featured active participation from stakeholders across various sectors. The Abia State Orientation Agency, under the leadership of Lady Ure Abazie, played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support. Also present were members of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) and a vibrant contingent of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who marched alongside organizers with placards and banners bearing anti-drug messages.
Participants chanted slogans advocating for a drug-free society and engaged passersby with educational pamphlets and public messages aimed at demystifying drug use and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Otti urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant, proactive, and united in the ongoing campaign to protect Abia’s youth and nurture a drug-free society.
“We must never relent. Every child we save, every family we empower, every school we engage brings us one step closer to the safer, healthier Abia we envision,” she affirmed.
The event marks another milestone in Abia State’s growing reputation as a proactive and youth-focused state, taking deliberate actions to tackle one of the most pressing social challenges of the modern age.
