The Abia state governor, Alex Otti, has emphasized the critical role of education and grassroots initiatives in combating drug abuse and criminality in the state.
Speaking on Thursday, while receiving the new State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nnadi Wilfred, the Governor stressed the importance of addressing societal vulnerabilities through free and compulsory education for children.
According to the governor, ensuring school-aged children have access to education will significantly reduce their exposure to drugs and criminal activities. He also lauded the establishment of the State Drug Control Committee, chaired by the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, as a key strategy to combat the drug menace at the grassroots level.
Noting the close connection between drug abuse and crime, he said, “When you look at crime and drugs, you’ll see that they are closely related. You will find out that in a lot of cases, people who get involved in crime and criminality start with drugs.”
The Governor further assured the NDLEA of his administration’s support, stating, “Anywhere we need to give support, you don’t even need to ask. You can count on the government to give you support so that we can rid this place of criminals.”
The NDLEA State Commander, Nnadi Wilfred, commended the Governor and his wife for their proactive efforts in raising awareness and rehabilitating drug users. He highlighted the alignment of the State Drug Control Committee with the national drug control master plan, calling it a vital step toward tackling drug-related challenges effectively.