Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its unwavering commitment and efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking in Abia State and across the country.
Mrs. Otti made the remarks on Thursday during an anti-drug awareness campaign held in Umuahia, organized by the NDLEA in partnership with the Abia State Government.
Represented by Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, wife of the Deputy Governor, she emphasized the importance of shielding youths from the dangers of drug abuse. She also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse, safeguarding young people, and fostering a culture of health and wellness
She described the 2025 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an opportunity to amplify the Abia State Government’s ongoing commitment to the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the event, the Acting State Commander of the NDLEA, Abia Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, noted that organized crime frequently originates from deep-rooted societal challenges such as poverty, lack of education, broken family structures, and unresolved trauma.
“Organized crime often stems from societal issues like poverty, lack of education, broken families, and unresolved trauma,” he stated.
He emphasized that treating addiction as a public health issue and investing in preventive measures can create lasting change, beginning with children before they become exposed to negative street influences.
According to him, the destructive cycle of drug abuse and organized crime in society can be disrupted through proactive strategies such as preventive mechanisms, greater investment in family life, youth reorientation, mental health support, and comprehensive drug education.
