In the bid of creating a drug-free society in Akwa Ibom State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been carrying out enlightenment campaigns in selected secondary schools in the state. The programme tagged “THINK HEALTH NOT DRUGS” was rounded up on Monday July 4th at the Etinan Institute, Etinan. It featured song renditions, playlets and seminar presentations, all aimed at providing awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

The resource person, Deaconess Idiongo Akpa disclosed that the youth especially males, are the most vulnerable to this ill. This she said could be attributed to peer-pressure. She defined drug-abuse as the excessive consumption of any substance that can cause an inducement, thereby affecting the emotional and the psychological condition of the person. Illicit drugs like Indian hemp, alcohols, and cigarettes were recognized as the ones commonly abused by the youth. Mrs. Akpa also mentioned that about 70% of crimes committed are done under the influence of drugs. So working towards a drug-free society is to ensure a reduction in crime rates, mental cases and possibly death. She concluded by asking the youth to stay off drugs and in medical cases, should do so only on doctor’s prescription.

Also speaking at the occasion, the state commandant of the organization, Mrs. Josephine Obi who was represented by Mrs. Ima Umoren thanked Gov. Akpabio for giving them an enabling environment to operate. She re-echoed that with the free and compulsory education of His Excellency and operation of the child right act, the youth will not think of indulging in drug abuse and other social vices. The principal of the school, who was represented by Mr. Imohabasi Etuk, thanked the national drug law enforcement agency for choosing Etinan Institute as a center for the event in Etinan Local Government.