The Drugs Free Society Meeting #Nigeria
Three days after a community sensitization program across the various communities in Okpoma, Tag Peace Rally – the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace Nigeria – organized a follow-up meeting with various stakeholders on September 10, at the World Peace Centre in Ochoku Okpoma Yala, Nigeria.
Proceedings began with an opening remark by the moderator Wonah Godwin O. He explained the urgent need to tackle the rate of drug abuse among the youth in various communities of Okpoma and beyond, and highlighted recommendations made by the various communities during the community sensitization program. Godwin O. also pointed out that for successful prevention against drug abuse in the community today, the collective efforts of various stakeholders and the general public are required.
There was a session for participant’s contributions in which the Chairman of the Security Committee opened the floor by re-emphasizing the need to ensure that the rate of drug abuse in the society is reduced to the minimum; if not eradicated. Moreover, he reassured his commitment to the fight by ensuring the council deliberate in order to establish effective policies to curb the issue.
Next to speak was the Chairman of the Patent Drugs Dealers Association, Okpoma Branch. He informed participants that as professionals in the field of drugs and health, they are trying their best to ensure members adhere strictly to medical ethics and that anyone found waning are disciplined. Starting categorically, the Chairman explained about internal law in addition to the medical ethics that fine (N50, 000) members found selling prohibited drugs. Moreover, he clarified that if any member of the public has useful information pertaining to dealers of prohibited drugs, he or she should inform authorities immediately for prosecution. Further, he scrutinised independent drug dealers of exacerbating the issue.
This speech was followed by the Managing Director of the Okpoma Transport Service, who touched on the need for all of us to be transparent in handling matters related to drug offenses in order for this fight to be conclude successfully, by eschewing favouritism and maintaining equity, saying “else we may not succeed in this important fight.”
Next, Youth Leaders and Community Representatives gave recommendations where the various Youth Leaders and Community representatives present agreed to work hand in hand with necessary agencies and IAYSP to fight against drug abuse in society, which is threatening society at large.
In the final session, the Director-General of Narcotic and Drug-Free Society, Barr. Tony Odey, who gave an extensive lecture including the Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse, also informed the house that the government is trying to enact appropraite laws in Cross River State to pave the way for effective movement against drug abuse in the State. He said that Coordinators of the Drug-Free Club in various LGAs in the State have been established and will ensure that this Club will partner with IAYSP to embark on an extensive campaign, which ensures that perpetrators have justice served on them as a way of discouraging others. In the end, he expressed gratitude to IAYSP for organizing this forum and community-based campaign against drug abuse.
Some of the participants also recommended that the government should create a task force against drug abuse. Positively, the DG of Narcotic and Drug-Free Society agreed, and shared plans that are in the process of enacting laws and implementation in reducing the menace of drug abuse.
The meeting came to an end at 6pm with a closing act lead by a community representative from Itega-Okpame.
The stakeholders included: The Director-General of Narcotic/Drug-Free Society Barr. Tony Odey; The Security Agency, The Chairman of the Security Committee of Yala Legislature and Honourable Councilor Representing Okpoma Ward, Hon. Raphael Agi Ikade; Chairman of Patent Drugs Dealers Associations Okpoma Branch; All the Patent Drugs Dealers, Youth Chairman and Community representatives of the Various Communities; the Managing Director of Okpoma Transport Service; Members of IAYSP Okpoma Chapter and the general public.
