Lorine Emenike
Relief International Africa, a non-governmental organization and Civil Right Council, a community-based advocacy group have organized a one-day sensitization campaign for students and others at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State to commemorate this year’s world day against drug abuse/illicit substances and trafficking with the theme as “Building a society without drugs”
The event which took place at the crab theatre in Uniport attracted students, stakeholders as well of traditional rulers.
In his opening address, the resident lead director of Relief International, Comrade Green Isaac, said the choice of UNIPORT as the venue of the campaign was to best reach the students who are primarily victims of drug abuse and consumption of illicit substances.
According to hi: “Youths and students have found a way of embracing drugs and we say no, that this can not bring forth a good generation. So we are trying to create that change today by sending this message across to parents, agencies of government who are suppose to help curb the abuse of drugs to be proactive in curbing this menace that has plagued our youths”
Also, the Royal father of the day, HRM Eze Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Oha 3 Evo of the Evo Kingdom, who was represented by Dr Paul Wowhor said, “the abuse of drugs and the consumption of illicit substances destroy life and inhibits development”
He described illicit substances and drugs as substances that stimulate and inhibit the human system.
He added that drugs and substances that stimulate the human system also stimulates humans to acts contrary to the way they are supposed to act.
Continuing, he urged parents and teachers to champion the drive of cultivating and educating children on the dangers of illicit substances and drug abuse from infant stage.
He stressed that the abuse of drugs and the consumption of illicit substances are the key reasons behind cultism, prostitution, kidnapping, rape, robbery amongst other social vices in our society.
Also, His Royal Highness, Dr Amb. Eze Emenike Weli, Ezezolu IV advised the students and youths to totally desist from the use of illicit substances and drug abuse, saying that the use of illicit substances and drug abuse will only destroy their lives.
On his part, Izoma Godwin, a representative of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria said that his organization will enshrine the sensitization of drug abuse and the use of illicit substances in its programs.
He promised to inculcate the campaign/sensitization when they go to the rural communities for their Advocacies and training programs.
