NANDRUM flags off sensitization on drug abuse, trafficking In rural communities.

By Polycarp Ifeanyi.

The National Association of Nigeria Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), Friday, stormed Umuoji community in Idemili North LGA, Anambra state to flag off sensitization on drug abuse and illicit trafficking in rural communities in the State.

The sensitization was to eradicate drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs in Anambra State. However, some individuals was appointed Ambassadors of drug at the occasion.

Among the appointed ambassadors of drug were Anambra State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency” NDLEA” Commander, Mohammed Idris, Deputy Commander Delta State ” NDLEA” Mr. Carmel Samuel, Secretary General Umuoji Youth Development, Comrade Abuchi Onwumelu ” Ksji”, National Chairman “NANDRUM” Mr. Alphonsus Okoronji, Co-ordinator Umuoji Youth Development Association, Engr. Ifeanyi Osakwe among others.

Presenting certificate of appointment, the NANDRUM National secretary and Ambassador, joint committee of Senate and House of Representatives National Assembly on drug and Narcotics, Dr Christabel Regan Okoye reminded them that the appointment was to motivate and boast their moral in combating drug abuse in their Community.

According to her, ” fighting Drug Abuse should be a collaborative efforts. Every child is a child of  everyone. Let us join hands to refrain our children from drug abuse, it destroys one’s life and future”. Dr. Okoye noted that after the sensitization at  Umuoji, the Sensitization would extend to Ihiala LGA and from there to other parts of local governments.

The community sensitization which virtually drew all Umoji Community attracted the presence of Umuoji president general, Chief Slai Onyima, Urumpku president general, Comrade Dom Ekpunobi and featured paper presentation by invited resource persons.

In his paper presentation, the Anambra State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ” NDLEA”  commander, Mr. Mohammed Idris hinted that NDLEA was established as a legal entity for the implementation of policy and programs on eradication of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drug in the society.

Also, the deputy commander of NDLEA Delta State, Mr Carmel Samuel revealed that the consumption of drugs is increasing and the pattern is changing especially in Nigeria.

He stated  that youths are taking other substances more than ordinary, pointing out that youths are now consuming fermented urine, powdered Lizard feces and latrine fumes which he said have  changed from drug abuse to substance abuse.

Other resource person, Mrs Ngozi Obiora said that parents should combine being tough and friendly to refrain their children from taking drugs, just as Mr. Alphonsus Okoronji disclosed that NANDRUM has established branches across the country and urged the general public to join hands in fighting Drug Abuse.