The Chairman of Egbeda Community Development Committee in Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State, Amb. Ovumgba Friday, has decried the rise of illicit drug use among youths in the community.
Speaking at a meeting of the Joint Executive Council of Egbeda Community Development Committee and Egbeda Community Youth Council on Saturday, 14 March 2026, Amb. Ovumgba expressed concern over the negative influence of these substances on young people.
He called for urgent public intervention through sensitization against the sale and use of illicit substances within and outside the Egbeda Community.
While emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation between the CDC and the youths in addressing the challenges facing the community, the Chairman also reported that some students in government-owned primary and secondary schools use their mobile phones during class hours, which he noted has caused serious distractions to both teachers and fellow students.
The Joint Executive Committee agreed to inaugurate a School Monitoring Committee to be chaired by the CDC Chairman that will interface with the principals of the secondary schools and head teachers of the primary schools and also assess the infrastructural condition of the schools.
The issue of scavengers operating unlawfully in the community was brought to the fore and the joint executive committee agreed to formally inform the relevant security agencies to ensure law and order was maintained.
Those present at the meeting included Com. Homachi Eyiedah, Mr. Collins Ogbuagu, Elder Samuel Enyie, Com. Ohia Justice, Comr. Confidence Odanwor, Igwe ThankGod Nlenya, amongst others.
