Governor Hope Uzodimma has advised Imo youths to shun the use of illicit drugs and embrace productivity.

The governor advised the youths during an enlightenment program on drugs organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation at Ezinihitte Mbaise council area of Imo on Sunday.

Mr Uzodimma, represented by his special adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Ezechukwu Obinna, described the use of illicit drugs as a bane of productivity among the youths.

He commended the foundation and the (NDLEA) for thinking toward the youths, adding that his administration would roll out more youth-friendly initiatives.

He expressed concern over the progress and success of Imo, adding that it informed his decision to create the Office of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring in the state.

He further advised the youths to embrace the acquisition of digital skills and the practice of agriculture for survival.

“My motive for establishing the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring is to make Imo a drug-free state, which will go a long way in making Imo a great state as youths are the future of tomorrow and catalysts for development,” he said.

Speaking, NDLEA’s deputy commander (operations and training) in Imo, Lamuwa Shehu, described the abuse of drugs as a global problem, noting that youths who engage in illicit drugs neither live healthy lives nor become useful.

“About 280 million people use drugs worldwide, while 15 million persons abuse drugs in Nigeria and 6 million persons are victims who are in dire need of help,” he said.

Also, the founder of the foundation, Summers Nwokie, said the program was intended to disabuse the minds of youths from illicit drug use. He thanked the government and the NDLEA for partnering with his foundation for the good of the youths. 

(NAN)