MTN, partner ndlea against drug abuse

The Telecommunication Network Mobile (MTN) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have launched the alarm on the increase in cases of illegal use of drugs, in particular among young people in the state of Enugu.

Touched by the harmful effect of the abuse of drugs among young people, the duo launched the alarm in Enugu during the official inauguration of the first “Defense walk against the abuse of drugs” as part of the social responsibility of MTN companies.

The walk, which began at the ENGUGUS College of Education Technical in Abakaliki Road and ended at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Campus 3, all in Enugu, was aimed at sensitizing among young people on the dangers of the abuse of substances.

The initiative is part of the wider campaign of War War Against Drug Abuse (Wada) led by MTN and NDLEA.

At the event, the commander of the state of Enugu Ndlea, Abel Wadahi, revealed alarming statistics, stating that over 400,000 people, mostly young, were involved in the abuse of drugs throughout the state.

Represented by the deputy commander of the state responsible for operations and intelligence, John Oga, the agency has mentioned recent integrity tests of the drugs that underline the seriousness of the matter.

“Young people have the weight of this threat, which is why we are focusing our efforts about them. We want to enhance them as ambassadors to fill the generational gaps and help to eradicate drug abuse,” said Wadahi.

He highlighted the pressure of peers, curiosity and experimentation as primary factors that guided the use of substances, appointing cannabis and the rapid diffusion of “mkpurummiri” (methamphetamine) as more commonly abused drugs.

“Mkpurummiri is particularly dangerous, causing mental health disorders and leaving many vulnerable users in our streets. Urgent intervention is fundamental,” Wadahi warned.

“From the beginning of Wada (war against drug abuse) in Enugu, Ndlea has conducted awareness -raising activities in over 135 locations, including schools, religious centers and workplaces, educating more than 69,000 people directly on the risks of drug abuse,” he said.

While appreciating MTN Nigeria for its support and collaborative efforts to fight the threat, Wadahi said that Ndlea also promotes sports and resistance trekking to offer healthy alternatives and keep young people away from the drugs away from drugs.

Representing Mtn Nigeria, Pamela Emodi, responsible for the development of youth, underlined the importance of education and partnership in the fight against the abuse of substances.