In a bid to combat the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths, Mr. Robert Boniface, the Program Manager of the Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative (CYDPAN), emphasized the urgent need for collaboration during a courtesy visit to Mrs. Obot Bassey, the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State.
Mr. Boniface expressed profound gratitude to Mrs. Obot Bassey for graciously welcoming their delegation despite her demanding schedule. He commended the relentless efforts of the NDLEA in combating drug trafficking and related crimes, emphasizing the pivotal role the agency plays in creating and maintaining a crime-free society, particularly among the youth.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mr. Boniface noted with concern the increasing involvement of children in organized crimes, school disruptions, and mental health issues resulting from drug abuse. He underscored CYDPAN’s commitment to safeguarding the future of young Nigerians through initiatives aimed at eliminating drug abuse and its associated challenges.
Drawing attention to recent statistics revealing the scale of drug abuse in Nigeria, Mr. Boniface reiterated CYDPAN’s dedication to the fight against drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between CYDPAN and NDLEA, proposing the establishment of a bilateral mechanism to address prevalent drug cases across the state effectively.
Mr. Boniface concluded by soliciting collaboration with NDLEA and international partners to eradicate illicit drug use among youths. He expressed gratitude to Mrs. Obot Bassey for the audience granted, wishing her a successful tenure in office.
Mrs. Obot Bassey, the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State, expressed her gratitude to the Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative (CYDPAN) for their dedication to combating drug abuse among Nigerian youth during their courtesy visit.
Mrs. Bassey commended CYDPAN for their proactive stance and initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse, which poses a significant threat to the nation’s youth and future. She acknowledged the importance of collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups in tackling this multifaceted challenge effectively.
In response to CYDPAN’s call for support, Mrs. Bassey pledged the full professional support of the NDLEA in their endeavors. She emphasized the agency’s commitment to working closely with CYDPAN and other stakeholders to implement strategies that would curtail drug trafficking, reduce demand for illicit substances, and provide assistance to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Mrs. Bassey reiterated NDLEA’s readiness to collaborate with CYDPAN on establishing mechanisms to address prevalent drug cases in Akwa Ibom State. She welcomed the opportunity to share expertise, resources, and knowledge in the fight against drug abuse, reaffirming NDLEA’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of Nigerian youth and promoting a drug-free society.
The response from Mrs. Obot Bassey underscores NDLEA’s unwavering support for CYDPAN’s initiatives and reflects a shared commitment to combating drug abuse for the betterment of communities across Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
The courtesy visit served as a platform to strengthen ties between CYDPAN and NDLEA in the shared mission of combating drug abuse and ensuring a brighter future for Nigerian youth.
