Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
Governor Soludo made the pledge during the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organised by the Anambra State Command of the NDLEA at the Federal Secretariat, Awka, the state’s capital.
The event, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, students and other stakeholders to advance the campaign against illicit drug use and trafficking.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha-Mba, Governor Soludo described drug abuse as a major threat to public health, security and national development, noting that it destroys lives, weakens families, fuels crime and undermines economic productivity.
Patrick Agha-Mba said, “the state government had continued to invest in youth empowerment through education, sports, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes aimed at steering young people away from substance abuse and criminality.
“We firmly believe that an engaged and empowered youth population is less vulnerable to drug abuse and its associated consequences. Sports, education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition remain effective non-kinetic approaches to crime prevention,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that addressing drug abuse requires the collective efforts of government, families, schools, religious organisations, civil society groups and community leaders.
He also commended the NDLEA for sustaining its annual secondary school anti-drug quiz competition, describing the initiative as a platform that promotes awareness, academic excellence and responsible citizenship among students.
Earlier, the Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Charles Onubogu, called for stronger community participation in the fight against illicit drugs, insisting that law enforcement agencies cannot win the battle alone.
He said the command had adopted a balanced strategy of drug supply reduction and demand reduction through enforcement, rehabilitation, counselling and sustained public sensitisation.
Onubogu disclosed that within his eleven months in office, the command arrested 517 suspects, seized about 1.8 tonnes of illicit drugs, secured 128 convictions, rehabilitated 102 clients, counselled 445 drug users, and conducted drug abuse awareness campaigns in more than 120 schools, churches, communities, motor parks and corporate organisations across Anambra State.
He urged young people to reject substance abuse, warning that drugs offer only temporary relief but ultimately destroy lives and future aspirations.
The NDLEA commander also appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant, describing families as the first line of defence against drug abuse, while urging communities to report suspicious drug-related activities and support victims seeking rehabilitation.
He commended the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration with the agency.
Onubogu also acknowledged the support of the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, Igwe Alexander Onyido, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ben Pharmachem Limited, for sponsoring the annual anti-drug quiz competition for secondary schools and supporting the command’s weekly radio awareness programme.
The event featured the grand finale of the 12th edition of the annual anti-drug quiz competition for secondary schools.
At the end of the competition, St Patrick’s College, Awka, emerged overall winner, receiving a cheque of ₦122,000, laptops and other prizes. Christ the King College, Onitsha, came second with a cheque of ₦112,000, laptops and cash awards, while Stella Maris College, Umueri, placed third, receiving a cheque of ₦99,000, cash prizes and a 32-inch television.
