The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Imo State Command, has expressed concern regarding the state’s high prevalence of drug abuse and related crimes.
According to the NDLEA, the consumption of hard drugs in the state has doubled in the past six months.
The disclosure was made by the state commander, Reuben Ape, during the presentation of an Ambassadorial Award to an anti-hard drug crusader, Mike Ikeokwu, CEO of Boss Radio, Owerri, in recognition of his efforts in aiding the agency in its fight against drug intake.
Ape, who primarily attributed the situation to a lack of employment and human capacity development opportunities in the state and across the country, urged stakeholders in the state to collaborate in combating the problem.
He warned that if actions were not taken urgently to curb the vice, the society would struggle to maintain sanity and stability, especially among the young people and future generations.
He said, “Today we are here to honour Mr. Mike Ikeokwu for his fervent media campaign through his medium, Boss Radio, against drug abuse and other related vices, especially among the youths in Imo State. From our records, Boss Radio runs a jingle on this over 100 times per day and this for us deserves commendation.
“We are also aware that through his Havana Group of Companies, over 500 of our youths are gainfully employed. I can tell you that most of our youths who were lured or who engage in illicit drugs intake was because they are frustrated as a result of lack of meaningful source of livelihood and economic stability.
“We at the NDLEA are seriously worried because in Imo, the rate of illicit drugs intake has risen astronomically in recent times. So, we are also using this opportunity to call on the stakeholders to join us in this fight to save our society from this threat.
“They should emulate Mr. Mike Ikeokwu and other Nigerians who are genuinely committed to this fight because we need all hands on deck to get the desired result.”
Responding, Ikeokwu appreciated the NDLEA for the recognition and assured of his continued support and commitment for a better Nigeria and human society at large.
“Rest assured that we are very committed to this fight and we will do everything humanly possible to make sure we win because when we win, Nigeria has won.”