Akwa Ibom Governor’s wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has expressed concern over the increasing rate of the crimes caused by drug abuse in the society.
According to her, the victims “resort to desperate measures to obtain drugs or to finance their addiction,” reiterating the commitment of the AKSDCC to regular sensitizations by members.
The Governor’s wife stated this Tuesday, during a Town hall meeting to sensitise stakeholders and community leaders of Etinan Federal Constituency on the menace of drug abuse, held at Ikot Edibon, the Council Hall of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
Decrying the negative effects of addiction to drugs, Pastor Patience who is the Chairperson, Akwa Ibom State Drug Control Committee (AKSDCC), said drug abuse is capable of robbing people of their health and sanity, as well as cause death of victims in extreme cases.
“Drug abuse is not a singular problem. It is a multi-faceted crisis that affects every aspect of our families and our society at large. As leaders and stakeholders, it is our duty to address this pressing issue and work towards a solution that will bring positive change.
“Furthermore, drug abuse has a ripple effect on families, tearing at the fabric of our society. The emotional anguish experienced by family members witnessing their loved ones succumb to addiction is immeasurable. Relationships are strained, trust is eroded, and the well-being of children is endangered,” she remarked.
She, therefore, called on the traditional institution and stakeholders at the grassroots to join hands in the fight against drug abuse to rid the state of the negative effects of substance addiction.
She also urged traditional and community leaders in the different Local Government Areas as well as parents to be vigilant and to report all cases of drug abuse to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), officials.
In a tone setting, the Secretary of the State Drug Control Committee, Mrs Esther Ukpe giving a brief background of the Committee, said it was inaugurated by the previous administration in February 2023 and was chaired by the former Governor’s wife who handed over the leadership to her successor, Pastor Patience to lead in the fight against substance abuse.
Ukpe described Pastor Patience Eno as a leader with compassion determined and committed to furthering the course of the Committee.
The committee secretary stated that drug abuse is an issue that plagues communities, breaks families apart, and hinders the progress and well-being of individuals who fall victim.
Also speaking, the NDLEA Commander in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Obot Bassey said drugs are chemical substances which when taken, change the mood, behaviour, physiology and psychology of any person.
Bassey reeled out the consequences of the malaise to include deception of the mind, cloudiness, dizziness, lack of appetite, poor concentration, emotional destabilisation, reduced sexual activities while consequences include strangling, bleeding, sleeplessness, impaired memory, slurred speech, impaired concentration, attack organs, gluttony, destroy the brain and destabilises thinking order.
Mrs. Bassey encouraged the victims to avail themselves of help mechanism put in place as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration schemes to have them live normal life in the society.
In their separate goodwill messages, Wife of the former military Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mrs Funmi Nkanga, the representative of Oku Ibom Ibibio, Eteidung Moses, former Commissioner, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, women, male and female youths from Etinan Federal Constituencies, applauded the Governor’s Wife for the initiative, stating that the town hall meeting is expedient and quite enlightening considering the spike of substance abuse in the society.
They noted the alarming effect of substance abuse on the fortunes and future of Akwa Ibom people and the economy pledging to take the advocacy and enlightenment to their different communities in order to address the menace.
During the Town Hall meeting which featured an interactive session and a drama piece by Corps members highlighting the ills of drug abuse in the society and the benefits of massive sensitization against the scourge.
Dignitaries in attendance were the wife of the Speaker AKHA, Mrs. Margaret Otong; Wife of SSG, Mrs. Inemesit Uwah; Wife of State PDP Chairman, Mrs Unyime Akpan; Commissioner for Water and Sanitation, Mrs Enobong Mbobo; and the Special Adviser Bureau of Political and Social Reorientation, Elder Amanam Nkanga, among others
