The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, has joined in championing the fight against drug abuse and illicit substances among youths in the Delta State Capital, with the laying of the foundation stone of an Anti-Drug Intersection Monument.
Sponsored and executed by the Asaba Community Youth Council (ACYC), the foundation-laying ceremony of the project formed part of the weeklong activities leading to the monarch’s 99th birth anniversary.
HRM Obi Edozien, represented by Chief Noble Egbuiwe, laid the foundation stone for the intersection project in the company of his chiefs, members of the ACYC and other guests.
The President-General of ACYC, Comrade Obodo Okediachi, recalled the glory days when Asaba youths were distinguished by their academic prowess, lamenting that drug abuse and other social vices had corrupted the Asaba community through wrong associations.
‘’Today, the people of Asaba have spoken with one voice that drugs abuse will not be tolerated in our community,’’ Okediachi said, even as he solicited the support of well-meaning individuals and Corporate bodies in the completion of the roundabout project and the campaign against drug abuse.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Victor Amuwah, stressed that there would be sustained efforts to curb the Menace of drug abuse beyond the aesthetic value of the road intersection project.
‘’It is so disheartening to see people with glowing future begin to shrink in health and prospects because of their addiction to drugs and other substances. Drug abuse is a hydra-headed monster, and we must stop it before it stops us.
‘’This project is from our collective contributions as a youth body. Therefore, I make this clarion call on the need for this project to be a combined effort because the youths alone cannot do it.
‘’This project, when estimated earlier, was to cost us almost Three Million Naira, but with the inflationary trend in our economy, that estimate would have doubled itself before the scheduled timeframe for the completion of the project in the next two months’’ Dr. Amuwah said.
The Chairman of the Oshimili South Youths (OSY), Comrade Vincent Oba, corroborated earlier speakers and pledged his support to the ACYC to sensitize the youths in Oshimili South on the dangers of drug abuse and other social ills.
Meanwhile, the second-in-command, Area Command, SP Augustine Ebohon, harped on the long-term consequences of drug abuse on the health of victims, and pledged the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to synergize with the ACYC in eradicating the scourge from society.
The resource person, Dr. Chidindu Idika, suggested aggressive awareness programs, responsible parenting, political will, and employment opportunities as veritable ways to tackle drug abuse in society.
He further commended the ACYC for the intersection project as a monument that would serve as a constant reminder to youths and residents about the hazards of drugs and substance abuse.
Other speakers at the event, including Chief Christopher Chukwurah and Mr. Bielose Oba, commended the monarch for his purposeful leadership, which has led to the steady development of the Asaba community since his reign began in 1991.
Meanwhile, the second-in-command, Area Command, SP Augustine Ebohon, harped on the long-term consequences of drug abuse on the health of victims, and pledged the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to synergize with the ACYC in eradicating the scourge from society.
The resource person, Dr. Chidindu Idika, listed aggressive awareness programs, responsible parenting, political will, and employment opportunities as veritable ways to tackle drug abuse in the society.
He commended the ACYC for the intersection project, saying that the monument would serve as a constant reminder to youths and residents about the hazards of drugs and substance abuse.
Other speakers at the event, including Chief Christopher Chukwurah and Mr. Bielose Oba, commended the monarch for his purposeful leadership, which has led to the steady development of the Asaba community since his reign began in 1991.
NIM.
