Greetings to our highly esteemed people of Rivers State and welcome to another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that some youths can make the choice to escape the scourge of drug abuse and stand as positive role models to their peers. This episode is in commemoration of the United Nations’ International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a reminder to all of us to play our part in arming people with the information they need to say no to drug abuse. The decision to not engage in drug abuse flows from making an informed choice based on the realities of hard drugs. Yet too many people in Rivers State and Nigeria are poorly informed about the potentially devastating effects of drugs. That is why we need to work for better education and greater awareness to prevent drug abuse. We need more consistent leadership from Government at all levels. We need better examples from role models whose drug use damages more people than just themselves. These include parents, teachers, community leaders, artistes, athletes, and all others.
We need to spread the understanding that drugs are illegal because they are a problem, and not the other way round – a problem because they are illegal. Drugs cause health and mental problems. When addictive, they can spell misery for users and those close to them. When taken intravenously, they can spread deadly disease — especially HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. When they wreak their devastation, they respect no boundaries of income, race, occupation or geography.
Our efforts must focus especially on young people — through outreach, peer- to-peer networks, and using opportunities such as sports to keep young people active, healthy, and confident. That also means creating numerous job opportunities in diverse sectors to keep the youths meaningfully engaged. On the other hand government must do all in its power to tackle drug supply effectively.
Let us pay close attention to our guest speaker, as she takes us through the topic. She is Mrs. Stella-Maris Ovlil Amede, Principal Staff Officer in charge of Drug Demand Reduction at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Command.
Our respected Rivers People, please remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
Her Excellency,
Mr. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS Africa.
The Governor of Rivers State
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below