From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has set up dedicated toll free call centres to attend to individuals and families with drug challenges in Nigeria.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), made the disclosure, yesterday, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, while delivering the keynote address during a one day NDLEA/COOU Mass Communication Department National Conference.
Marwa, represented by the Anambra State NDLEA Commander, Daniel Onyishi, said the call centre is manned by team of professionals, including psychologists, counsellors, social workers and mental health professionals, who provide support to people who used drugs and their family members, for facilitating recovery, manage social and emotional problems, enhance performance and productivity of the beneficiaries of the service, thereby improving their quality of lives.
He said the prevalence of drug use is still of frightening dimension in Nigeria despite measures put in place by the government. in line with international conventions, to counter the growing challenge of drug use among youths.
The NDLEA boss said the theme of the conference, “Communication, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Drug Abuse” was apt and timely, especially in this era where technology is reshaping every facet of people’s lives, making it imperative to harness those advancements to combat the pervasive issue of drug abuse.
Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Omenugha, who was decorated as a War against Drug Abuse (WADA) Ambassador during the conference, said the campaign against drug abuse is a battle every responsible member of the society, including students, must lead from the front, because of its devastating effects on the citizens.
Acting Head, Department of Mass Communication, COOU, Dr Nonye Ezeaka, in an address, said communication plays a vital role in preventing drug abuse. She said the conference was a significant step in a collective effort towards addressing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.
The lead paper presenter, Prof Ezekiel Asemah, Acting Vice Chancellor, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State described drug abuse as an epidemic ravaging the country. He called on all stakeholders in the communication sector, including social media content creators, to produce materials tilting towards dissuading youths from drug abuse.