The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Wednesday, led hundreds of staff members of the agency on a campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence in the state.
Issa-Onilu led the crowd in a roadshow through Kaduna metropolis, sharing handbills and flyers with messages to sensitise residents to the dangers associated with drug abuse and domestic violence.
Speaking with newsmen on the sideline, he said the agency was concerned about the prevalence of drug abuse, particularly among youths, and its connection with violence and crime.
He said the campaign would cover the entire length and breadth of Kaduna State, with engagements involving communities and relevant stakeholders.
“We are going to visit traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, market leaders and transport workers’ union leaders,” he said.
Issa-Onilu said the engagements were aimed at raising consciousness, creating awareness and sensitising people to the dangers inherent in drug abuse and domestic violence.
He said the roadshow marked the beginning of wider activities across Kaduna, including visits to other cities and communities.
“We are moving around, sharing flyers, talking to them and encouraging them to stay away from drugs,” he said.
The director-general said the campaign sought to promote a cleaner society that maintained order and had significantly reduced cases of drug abuse and crime.
“What we want to achieve is a society where issues of drugs are no longer a thing of concern,” he said.
He said removing drugs from society would contribute to a drastic reduction in crime, stressing that drug abuse had no positive outcome.
Issa-Onilu urged residents to stay away from dangerous substances, including cocaine, Indian hemp, codeine and other illicit drugs.
“Think of your future. Think about all the effort you have made. Don’t submit yourself to drugs that will destroy you and your family,” he advised.
He also urged residents to avoid domestic violence and protect themselves, their families and society from what he described as destructive consequences.
The NOA director-general said drug abuse could lead to violence and crime, urging affected persons to seek professional assistance rather than continue struggling alone.
He said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had a rehabilitation centre in Kaduna where people affected by drug abuse could seek help.
He added that NOA could facilitate contact with NDLEA for individuals requiring rehabilitation and other necessary support.
“It is never too late to get help. There are people who are trained to help you survive it and come out of it clean,” he said.
Issa-Onilu urged residents to learn from people whose lives had been ruined by drugs and avoid joining what he described as a destructive path.
“Please take this instruction and advice at this stage before it is too late,” he appealed.
He said the campaign was being conducted in collaboration with office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to promote safer communities.
He added that the initiative was supported by NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Correctional Service, among other stakeholders.
Issa-Onilu said members of the National Youth Service Corps were also participating in the campaign to ensure that individuals, families and communities were better protected.
He called on all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse and domestic violence, saying collective action was essential for building a safer society. (NAN)(NAN)
