The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says one out of every four users of illicit drugs is a woman.

Daniel Onyishi, NDLEA commander in Anambra, gave the statistics at the inauguration of the Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse by Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative in Awka.

“According to recent statistics, Nigeria alone has a 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate, and it is projected that by 2030, it will rise to 40 per cent if nothing is done,” said Mr Onyishi.

He added, “The major concern is that women, especially young girls, are embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abusers is a woman, and one out of five will suffer from substance abuse disorder.”

Mr Onyishi said the agency was working with the governor’s wife to address the growing drug abuse cases in Anambra.

He described women as caregivers and key nurturers, adding that NDLEA was taking sensitisation to the grassroots to address the drug abuse menace.

“We are not spirits; therefore, we urge community leaders to inform us about drug dealers in their environment. Illicit drug dealing is a crime and not a business,” he added.

In her address, the wife of the Anambra governor, Nonye Soludo, lamented that substance abuse had become a pandemic in society, requiring collective effort to tackle.

Mrs Soludo said the menace of illicit drug abuse contributed to the high rate of crimes, violence and health complications.

Also speaking, Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health, said the campaign would save the youths from degenerating into a generational tragedy with drug addiction.

(NAN)