Introduction:

The fight against drug abuse is a pressing issue that requires collective effort and commitment from every segment of society. In a recent town hall meeting held in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the First Lady of the state and Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Drug Control Committee (AKSDCC), called upon traditional leaders and stakeholders at the grassroots level to join hands in the battle against drug abuse. This blog post delves into the significance of this initiative and the potential positive impact it can have on the state.

The Menace of Drug Abuse:

Pastor Patience Umo Eno began her address by emphasizing the destructive consequences of drug abuse. She highlighted how it can erode an individual’s health, sanity, and, in extreme cases, lead to death. However, she also stressed that the problem goes beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and society at large.

“Drug abuse is not a singular problem; it is a multi-faceted crisis that affects every aspect of our families and our society at large. As leaders and stakeholders, it is our duty to address this pressing issue and work towards a solution that will bring positive change,” she remarked.

The Impact on Families and Communities:

The First Lady went on to discuss how drug abuse has a ripple effect on families and communities. It strains relationships, erodes trust, and endangers the well-being of children. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to increased crime rates as individuals resort to desperate measures to obtain drugs or finance their addiction.

A Call to Action:

To combat this menace, Pastor Patience Eno urged traditional and community leaders, as well as parents, to be vigilant and report all cases of drug abuse to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This call to action emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government and grassroots leaders to tackle the issue effectively.

The Role of the AKSDCC:

The Secretary of the State Drug Control Committee, Mrs. Esther Ukpe, provided insight into the committee’s history and purpose. Inaugurated in February 2023, the committee is chaired by Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who is described as a compassionate and determined leader committed to fighting substance abuse. Mrs. Ukpe stressed that drug abuse affects communities, tears families apart, and hinders individual progress and well-being.

Understanding the Effects and Consequences:

Obot Bassey, the State Commander of NDLEA, shed light on the effects and consequences of drug abuse. She explained that drugs are chemical substances that alter a person’s mood, behavior, physiology, and psychology. The consequences of drug abuse include a range of physical and psychological issues, making it essential for victims to seek help through rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Community Support and Advocacy:

During the town hall meeting, several dignitaries and community representatives expressed their support for the First Lady’s initiative. Dignitaries in attendance included:

1. The wife of the Speaker AKHA, Mrs. Margaret Otong.
2. The wife of SSG, Mrs. Inemesit Uwah.
3. The wife of State PDP Chairman, Mrs. Unyime Akpan.
4. Commissioner for Water and Sanitation, Mrs. Enobong Mbobo.
5. The Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Reorientation, Elder Amanam Nkanga, among others.

These dignitaries acknowledged the urgency of addressing substance abuse, given its impact on Akwa Ibom’s people and economy. They pledged to carry the message of advocacy and enlightenment to their respective communities to combat this growing problem.

Conclusion:

The call to action from Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, to engage traditional leaders and grassroots stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse is a significant step towards creating a drug-free and healthier society. By recognizing the multi-faceted nature of this crisis and emphasizing community involvement, this initiative holds the promise of positive change for Akwa Ibom and serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.