To address the issue of drug abuse in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rivers State, Comrade Victor S. Jaja, a youth leader, lamented over the rising number of drug abuse cases among youth, describing it as a growing challenge.
In an LGA stakeholders’ meeting with Rivers security chiefs in Opobo town on Saturday, the youth called for urgent government intervention and demanded the establishment of a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office within the LGA to help tackle the scourge.
“The use of hard drugs by youth is another major challenge,” the youth leader remarked, while raising the issue that theft and burglary have significantly increased.
“Let us incorporate a compound security network, like five youth each, from each compound who will be empowered and given stipend,” Jaja suggested.
In addition to the LGA demand, Jaja emphasized the need for sustainable empowerment and skill acquisition for youth, noting that it should not be limited to funds like N10,000.
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Peter Idatoru, a youth representative from Nkoro, expressed frustration and government neglect, citing their non-presence from security to the health sector.
“No police station in Nkoro,” Idatoru decried. “The one which was built is not in use. No functional health centre in Nkoro. No market in Nkoro, the traders trade along the road.”
President of Opobo Women Welfare Association, Felicia Pepple, called for women empowerment by implementing grant initiatives which will aid them in their various businesses. She also explained the electricity challenges faced by small business owners.
“There are areas women are supposed to be employed. Let the women be employed. Women need constant electricity to run their businesses.”
Elizabeth Nengi, a woman representative from Nkoro, shared the dire conditions of the only surviving secondary school in Nkoro, declaring that there is no secondary school within Nkoro.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Olugbenga Adepoju, called for the establishment of a community vigilante group that will work closely with the security forces to address crime and drug-related issues.
The Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro, Fred Apiafi, said, “We have issues such as sea pirates, stealing of fishing equipment, illegal bunkering. The discussion will help us achieve peace and security in the LGA.”
The service chiefs present at the meeting included the DSS, Nigerian Army 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Air Force, NSCDC, Nigerian Air Force 115 Special Operations in the state, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
