In a passionate plea to clergymen, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, is rallying the faithful to confront a growing menace from within their sacred walls: drug abuse. During an advocacy visit to Chapter Chairmen of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on August 22, 2023, Pastor Patience Umo Eno urged religious leaders to integrate discussions on drug abuse and illicit substance consumption into their sermons and church programs. Her goal? To forge a united front against this pressing concern that’s ensnaring the youth of Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who also holds the role of Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Drug Control Committee (AKSDCC), highlighted the undeniable influence that religious institutions have in shaping society’s ethical values and promoting positive change. Acknowledging the church’s role as a beacon of morality and guidance, she emphasized that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won without the active involvement of religious leaders. Collaborating with the AKSDCC, Pastor Patience Umo Eno believes, will yield a more effective strategy to combat the pervasive issue of drug abuse.
The advocacy tour, an initiative to engage key stakeholders in the battle against drug abuse, reflects Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s dedication to addressing this crisis head-on. Represented by the committee’s Secretary, Mrs. Esther Ukpe, Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s message was clear: sensitize the youth and other vulnerable members of society to the perils of drug abuse. These sensitization efforts, she proposed, could be integrated into main church services, Sunday schools, and dramatizations within church groups. By doing so, the hope is to liberate the youth from the clutches of addiction and offer them a chance at a brighter future.
Bishop Emmanuel Etim, Chairman of PFN Akwa Ibom State Chapter, expressed gratitude for Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s dedication and the AKSDCC’s efforts to raise awareness. Notably, both the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and his wife, Pastor Patience, are members of PFN, an affiliation that Bishop Emmanuel Etim believes will drive the commitment of the church to this vital cause.
During the interactive sessions, Dr. Rose Mfon of AKSDCC suggested that churches incorporate drug tests as part of marriage counseling to address the surge in marital violence and abuse caused by drug addiction. Pastor Emmanuel Bassey, Leader of Uyo Senatorial District of PFN, added his voice to the cause, requesting adequate resources and information materials for educating society about the perils of drug dependency.
Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s advocacy journey serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between religious leaders and government bodies. By tackling the issue of drug abuse from the pulpit, this united front holds the potential to make a profound impact on the lives of the youth, safeguarding them from the clutches of addiction and offering them a brighter future. The partnership between faith and governance highlights the importance of addressing societal challenges through a multifaceted approach, where every voice matters in the pursuit of a healthier, drug-resistant society.
