RISE ABOVE THE HIGH: UMUNAMA YOUTHS WARNED AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IN POWERFUL EASTER MESSAGE
On Easter Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Hon Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna, paid a visit to Umunama autonomous community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State. The visit was at the invitation of the Umunama Progressive Union (UPU), who had invited him as the Keynote Speaker for their “Empowering Umunama Youth” event.
The event, which aimed to educate the youths of Umunama on the dangers of drug abuse, kicked off with a prayer said by Architect Frank Ajaero, after which the Special Adviser was ushered in to address the gathering. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of narcotics and illicit drugs monitoring, Hon Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna spent several hours educating the youths on the consequences of drug abuse and how to avoid it.
In his address, the Special Adviser began by defining what drugs are, classifying them, and explaining what drug abuse means. He also highlighted the factors that can lead a young person to abuse drugs, emphasizing the importance of being aware of these factors in order to avoid them. He warned the youths of Umunama against experimenting with drugs, citing peer pressure as a major factor that can lead to addiction.
Hon Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna explained that addiction is a chronic disease, meaning it can hardly be cured, but can only be managed. He emphasized that no income is enough to fund the intake of drugs, as no amount of money can satisfy the urge to consume illicit drugs. He also took questions from the youths, reiterating that drug abuse has no advantages, only disadvantages, and that curing a drug addict is a costly affair.
One of the most striking points made by the Special Adviser was that the only advantage to drug abuse is turning mad and making the market square a place of abode. This statement underscored the devastating effects of drug abuse and the importance of avoiding it at all costs.
The event was a resounding success, with the youths of Umunama community showing keen interest in the presentation and participating actively in the question and answer session. The Special Adviser’s message was clear: drug abuse is a destructive path that can lead to addiction, financial ruin, and a host of other problems, and it is up to the youths to make informed choices and avoid it.
The visit of the Special Adviser to Umunama community is part of a broader effort by the Imo State government to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse and to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to make positive life choices. The event was also a testament to the commitment of the Umunama Progressive Union (UPU) to the welfare of its youths and its determination to provide them with opportunities for growth and development.
The visit of Hon Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna to Umunama community was a timely intervention that is expected to have a lasting impact on the youths of the community. The message of the Special Adviser was clear: drug abuse is a danger that must be avoided, and it is up to the youths to make the right choices. The event is also a model for other communities to follow, highlighting the importance of partnerships between government agencies, community organizations, and individuals in promoting the welfare of young people.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the success of the event, it is recommended that:
- The Umunama Progressive Union (UPU) should continue to provide opportunities for the growth and development of its youths.
- Other communities should emulate the example of Umunama community in partnering with government agencies and individuals to promote the welfare of young people.
Overall, the visit of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring to Umunama community was a significant event that is expected to have a lasting impact on the youths of the community. It is hoped that the message of the Special Adviser will be taken to heart by the youths and that they will make informed choices to avoid drug abuse and achieve their full potential.
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