Mrs. Otti Champions Drug Abuse Prevention In Abia As NDLEA, State Government Lead Awareness Walk

 In a bold step towards curbing the rising menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the Abia State Government, staged a high-impact anti-drug awareness walk through the streets of Umuahia to mark the 2025 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention (Break the Cycle, Stop Organised Crime),” attracted a broad coalition of stakeholders including civil society organizations, youth groups, government agencies, and the general public,3all united in the mission to safeguard Abia’s future through proactive drug prevention strategies.

Addressing participants, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the state to support initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse, especially among the youth. Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, Mrs. Otti emphasized that the war against substance abuse must begin with education, empathy, and empowerment.

“Our youth have limitless potential and a bright future ahead,” she stated. “We must continue to guide, inform, and protect them from the dangers of substance abuse. Prevention is a collective duty—and the time to act is now.”

She lauded the NDLEA for its consistent efforts and urged continued collaboration between public institutions and the communities in addressing the root causes of drug addiction.

In his remarks, the Acting State Commander of NDLEA Abia Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN) Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, highlighted the importance of tackling the underlying societal issues that fuel organized crime and drug abuse. He called for increased government and community investment in family welfare, youth programs, mental health services, and substance use education.

“Organised crime often stems from poverty, broken homes, and trauma. By treating drug abuse as a public health issue and focusing on preventive interventions, we can begin to dismantle the systems that perpetuate addiction,” DCN Chilee said.

The awareness walk witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Abia State Orientation Agency led by Director General Lady Ure Abazie; the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP); NYSC corps members; and volunteers who marched with placards and banners, chanting messages of hope, resilience, and prevention.

Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, who has been at the forefront of youth advocacy in Abia, concluded by calling on parents, educators, religious leaders, and influencers to join forces in protecting the next generation.

“Together, we can build a society where every child is free to thrive—safe from the grip of drugs and full of promise for tomorrow,” she urged.

The event marks another milestone in the state’s holistic approach to drug prevention, echoing the global call for a healthier, safer, and more inclusive future.