Abia First Lady calls for collective effort in combating drug, substance abuse among youth

The wife of the governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has called for collective acknowledgement that drug abuse is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach and not just a matter of law enforcement or healthcare; but also about education, prevention, and community engagement, hence the need to work collectively to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and promote healthy lifestyles.

Mrs. Otti said this while speaking in Umuahia, the state capital, during the Drug Control Committee’s prevention and rehabilitation meeting, reaffirmed her commitment to tackling substance abuse menace among Abia State youths and its devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.

She said, “Our focus must not only be on curbing the supply of illicit drugs, but also on addressing the root causes: stress, peer pressure, and lack of awareness among our youth.

The Abia First Lady proposed for the establishment of a task force to coordinate efforts, identify areas of concern, and allocate resources to support initiatives, as according to her “this task force will comprise representatives from various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and community organizations.”

She also called for the engagement with schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations to promote awareness and education about drug abuse.

Mrs. Otti further suggested that a public awareness campaign be launched to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse stressing that the campaign should utilize various mediums, including social media, print, and electronic media, to reach a wide audience.

She further revealed that Governor Alex Otti had recently approved the budget for the renovation of the Umuahia rehabilitation centre, a significant step towards providing professional treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction.

See full statement below:

A WELCOME SPEECH PRESENTED BY HER EXCELLENCY, MRS PRISCILLA CHIDINMA OTTI DURING THE DRUG CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETING AT THE BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UMUAHIA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025.

Protocol,

1. I am honored to welcome you to this critical meeting on drug control. As the wife of the Governor, I’m deeply concerned about the devastating impact of drug abuse on our communities, families, and individuals. Today, we gather to address this pressing issue, and I’m committed to working together to find solutions.
2. We must acknowledge that drug abuse is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach. It’s not just a matter of law enforcement or healthcare; it’s also about education, prevention, and community engagement. We need to work collectively to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and promote healthy lifestyles.
3. Drug abuse is a menace that has infiltrated every aspect of our society, destroying lives, families, and communities. As a responsible citizen and a concerned individual, I believe it’s our collective duty to combat this problem. We must start by acknowledging the root causes of drug abuse—stress, peer pressure, or a lack of awareness about the dangers of substance misuse. Our youth, in particular, are vulnerable to these factors, and it’s our responsibility to educate and empower them to make informed choices.
4. As stakeholders, we have a crucial role to play in this fight. We must work together to create awareness about the risks associated with drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and advocate for policies that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment.
5. As we discuss the way forward today, I would like to emphasize the importance of collaboration and partnership. We need to bring together government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. By working together, we can develop effective strategies to prevent drug abuse, treat addiction, and support recovery.
6. I propose that we establish a task force to coordinate our efforts, identify areas of concern, and allocate resources to support our initiatives. This task force will comprise representatives from various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and community organizations. We should also engage with schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations to promote awareness and education about drug abuse.
7. Furthermore, I suggest that we launch a public awareness campaign to educate our citizens about the dangers of drug abuse. This campaign should utilize various mediums, including social media, print, and electronic media, to reach a wide audience.
8. To those who are struggling with addiction, I want to assure you that there is hope. We will work tirelessly to provide access to rehabilitation services, counseling, and support groups. We will also strive to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, recognizing that it’s a disease that requires compassion, understanding, and treatment.
9. Permit me to specially appreciate and commend my dear husband and the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his tireless efforts in combating drug abuse. He is committed to tackling the scourge of drug abuse and ensuring that our state is a safe and healthy place for all citizens. Just recently, he approved the budget for the renovation of the rehabilitation center in Umuahia, our capital city to provide treatment and support to individuals struggling with addiction.
10. Esteemed stakeholders and members of Abia State Drug Control Committee, I urge you all to join hands to combat drug abuse. Let’s work together to create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for our citizens. I’m confident that with our collective efforts, we can make a significant difference and build a brighter future for our communities.
11. Thank you.

Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti,
Wife of the Governor, Abia State.
February 20, 2025.