In an effort to curb drug abuse, violent crimes and gender-based violence against women and youths, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with Senator Augustine O. Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial District, has organised a one-day public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign in Abia State.

The programme was designed to promote responsible citizenship, discourage harmful social practices and mobilise community support for the protection of young people, women and other vulnerable members of society.

Speaking at the sensitisation event, the Senator, who was represented by his Media Adviser and Head of Media Unit, Chief Jude Chijioke Ndukwe, urged youths to shun drug abuse, cultism, fraud, violent crimes and all forms of violence against women, noting that the future of the state depended largely on the choices they made.

While urging youths to embrace education, vocational training, agriculture, sports, creative arts and digital technology as pathways to self-reliance and sustainable development, he condemned gender-based violence, describing it as a violation of human dignity that must be collectively rejected by individuals, families and communities.

In his address, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the South-East Zonal Director, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, stressed that enforcement alone could not effectively address drug abuse, violent crime and gender-based violence without sustained public enlightenment and a change in societal attitudes.

Issa-Onilu commended Governor Alex Otti for his opposition to drug-related offences, stressing the need for a coordinated response involving government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, schools and community organisations to address drug abuse and other social vices.

He also called for stronger support for victims of abuse, improved access to rehabilitation services for persons affected by drug dependence and the establishment of additional sexual assault centres to support survivors of gender-based violence.

The Director-General disclosed that the campaign would cover the six local government areas of Abia Central Senatorial District through town hall meetings, school integrity clubs, multilingual radio campaigns and partnerships with community and religious leaders, security agencies and relevant government institutions to ensure wider participation.

Speaking earlier, the Abia State Director of NOA, Mr Chidi Unobagha, described the programme as a collaborative effort to promote responsible citizenship, reinforce family values and safeguard vulnerable members of society.

Unobagha noted that extending the campaign to the six local government areas would enable the Agency to reach more communities and sustain efforts to tackle drug abuse, domestic violence, gender-based violence and child trafficking.

He stressed that the family remained the first institution where children learnt discipline, honesty, respect and responsibility, urging parents, teachers, religious institutions and community leaders to reinforce these values and work together to build safer communities.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development in Abia State, Mrs Jane Igwe; the traditional ruler of Eziama na Mgbaja Autonomous Community, HRM Eze Chiabuotu Emelike; the Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo; the Abia State Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Frank Nwaohammuo; Izunna Iwobi, representing the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); and representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The event was attended by several other dignitaries and stakeholders who contributed to the discussions. The Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Jane Igwe, encouraged young people to develop their talents and acquire practical skills.

The traditional ruler of Eziama na Mgbaja Autonomous Community, HRM Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, who chaired the occasion, called for the inclusion of correctional institutions in rehabilitation and public enlightenment programmes, stronger community participation in crime prevention and greater accountability among security personnel.
The Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, advocated women’s economic empowerment as a means of strengthening families, while the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Abia State, Frank Nwaohammuo, discussed the consequences of drug abuse for society and national development.

Izunna Iwobi, representing the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), addressed domestic violence, its effects on family values and possible solutions while representatives of the NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies all called for improved inter-agency cooperation and community support to prevent crime, protect children and promote public safety.

Signed
Bala Musa
Director, Communication and Media