Agorehmi Bright, Reporting
THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is advocating for the introduction of drug integrity testing as part of admission processes in tertiary institutions as a measure to curb drug abuse among students.
The Rivers State Commandant of the NDLEA, Mr Ofor Kenneth Onyeso, made the call in Port Harcourt at the weekend during an anti-drug abuse sensitisation campaign organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
The campaign, tagged War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), was organised by the PCRC in collaboration with the Rivers State Police Command and the NDLEA, with the theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.” It was held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic (CEAPOLY), Rumuola, Port Harcourt, with other sister security agencies including the Army, Navy and Air Force in attendance.
Testing Not a Barrier to Admission
Onyeso said the agency’s approach to tackling drug abuse combines enforcement and demand reduction through public lectures, sensitisation campaigns and workshops, stressing that students must be discouraged from substance abuse to safeguard their future.
He explained that drug integrity testing would not disqualify students from gaining admission, but would identify those who need intervention.
“Students will be made to undergo drug integrity tests. It does not disqualify students from admission. If you test negative, you walk away; that means you live a clean life. If you test positive, you will go through brief intervention counselling. The institution will set up a clinic where psychologists, nurses and a counselling unit will be available to take the student through brief intervention to discourage the use of drugs, make them live a healthy life, pursue their academics and become good citizens,” he said.
Over 233,000 Identified as Drug Users
Speaking on the motive of the event, the PCRC Chairman in Rivers State, Dr Voke Emore, said the programme was aimed at sustaining the fight against drug abuse, particularly among youths.
Dr Emore disclosed that over 233,000 persons as at last year were identified as drug users in Nigeria, while over 1.4 million Nigerians have been rehabilitated, noting that the menace has spread to local communities with council chairmen now seeking NDLEA intervention.
“This programme is to promote the war against drug abuse. We have been doing this for years and we will keep fighting this menace.
“We are here to drive home the message that drug abuse is bad. It has gone into local communities and it is a big problem. Substance abuse is affecting everybody, not just students. There should be topics that reflect the war against drug abuse from primary school level because drug abuse among primary school pupils is now alarming,” Emore said.
He said the PCRC has begun engaging students from the University of Port Harcourt, Ignatius Ajuru University and Rivers State University who previously participated in its campaigns to sustain peer advocacy.
He added that the PCRC Safe School Clubs would be inaugurated in schools across Rivers State, having commenced with the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.
Drug Abuse Fuelling Crime — CP
Speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, said drug abuse, which is prevalent among youths, contributes significantly to crime and social vices.
CP Adepoju, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing, said: “The effect of drug abuse is not just health issues alone, it is also a societal problem because it leads to increase in crime. You can sell anything just to buy drugs. For students, it can lead to poor academic performance, indiscipline and dropping out of school. For adults, it can lead to unemployment and loss of relationships and finances.”
He called on community leaders including traditional rulers to collaborate with security agencies in the fight against drug abuse.
Monarch Bans Illicit Drugs
The Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr Moses Neebee, said economic challenges have exposed youths to substance abuse, leading to mental health and social problems, and commended the PCRC for bringing the campaign to the institution.
Earlier in his remark, the King of Elelenwo, HRH Eze Sunny Weli, said he has banned the circulation and sale of illicit drugs in his community as a way of combating the menace in the area.
He warned that offenders would be arrested and handed over to the police, and urged security agencies to intensify enforcement without compromise.
