Drug Abuse, Enemy of Bright-Successful Future – Anambra NDLEA commander

At an interactive session on the “Danger of Drug and Addiction among the Youths” held on the 6th of December, 2016 at the UNIZIK University Auditorium, the danger of Drug abuse was again harped on by the Anambra State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Sule Momodu,

Speaking during his lecture, the State Commander said Drug abuse means when a drug is not used for medical reason, or when it’s used excessively.  He elaborated on the reason why some people take drug as being; ignorant, availability of the drug, peer group influence, broken home, curiosity, psychology/emotional stress amongst others.  Also, he talked on signs of drug abuse which he said could include: Being unusually withdrawn, physical deterioration, memory lapses, short attention span, deviant behaviour, poor physical coordination, unhealthy appearance, unusual use of dark glasses etc.  More so, on the consequences of drug abuse, he mentioned: rape, robbery, arson, prostitution, mentally sick, road accident, family disintegration, high blood pressure, heart disease, brain and liver damage; for women: destruction of womb or birth effects.

Furthermore, Mr. Momodu advised the youths especially the students to avoid those who use drug, confide in their parents and report those selling drug to the necessary authority, but should be done discreetly.  He encouraged and recommended the following as ways of checkmating the students:

–   Proper documentation  of students who leave outside the school

–   the need for a drug free club to be established

–    establishment of a committee involving the NDLEA and the University

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, FAS who was represented by the Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Stan Udedi commended the State Commander for presenting the lecture.  He advised those who take unprescribed drug to desist from it, and those who take hard drugs, he warned that it could alter the brain function. He thanked the organizers of the interactive session, while expressing hope that programmes as such could help return the youths who have strayed.

In her speech, the coordinator of the programme, Prof. Rita Ugokwe-Ossai said there has been an increase in the discussions on drugs abuse and its related dangers, which has brought about insurgencies and counter insurgencies leading to grave violence. Hence the need for the interactive session to re-educate and sensitize the youths, especially the undergraduates on the danger of drugs abuse and addiction.  She thanked the Vice-Chancellor and all those who made the programme a success.

There were questions directed to the State Commander by lecturers and students, and he gave answers to them respectively. Lecturers from the Department of Psychology were present in the company of the HOD, Dr. Harry Obi Nwosu.