The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Saturday, reiterated the commitment of his administration to ridding the state of illicit drugs and substances, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Imo State Command, carried out the public destruction of seized drugs and narcotics in Owerri.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, described the exercise as a demonstration of the state’s collective resolve to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which he said pose serious threats to public health, security, and the future of Imo youths.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,Uzopuo Charles Nnamdi stated this in a release issued on Sunday.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, and the leadership of NDLEA for their professionalism.
“The Government of Imo State commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his transformational policies and agenda to make Nigeria a safe haven free from illicit drugs and substances.
“I also commend the leadership of NDLEA for its dedication, professionalism, and unwavering efforts in ridding our communities of dangerous substances that are destroying our youth and fueling violent crime in our dear state,” he stated.
Governor Uzodimma disclosed that Imo State under his administration is the first to appoint a Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, a move that reaffirms the 3R administration’s determination to make Imo state free from illicit drugs.
To keep youths productively engaged, harness and moderate their potentials, the Governor noted that his administration has created three key ministries: Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt; Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government.
The Governor commended the courage and professionalism of the gallant officers of NDLEA, Imo State Command.
“What you have seized and are destroying today has saved families, preserved lives, and reclaimed futures.
“Government will continue to collaborate with the NDLEA and sister agencies in the state in the fight to sanitize Imo State of illicit drugs and substances.
“We will continue to provide all necessary logistical support to ensure there is no hiding place for drug dealers in our state,” he assured.
Governor Uzodimma appealed to youths to reject drug abuse and every shortcut, and to believe in their potential, noting that government is mindful of them and has opened visible doors for their advancement and to further develop their talents and skills.
To parents, he said: “Drug traffickers are not businessmen. They are merchants of death and enemies of the state. They do not care if your son becomes a cultist, if your daughter becomes a victim, or if your family is torn apart. Let us report any suspected drug trafficker to law enforcement agents.”
While assuring the Agency of the state government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment where partnerships can thrive for the overall progress of Imo State, the Governor encouraged them to remain steadfast in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
The Director General of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), OFR, represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigations, Mr. Ahmed Sule Ningi, praised the Imo State Government for its commitment to rid the state of illicit drugs and banned substances.
Mr. Ahmed stressed the Agency’s unwavering resolve to uphold the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in making Nigeria a drug-free country.
The Imo State NDLEA Sector Commander, Mr. Alex Nyigide, highlighted the operational breakthroughs of the Command that resulted in the seizures. He restated the Command’s commitment to dismantling drug syndicates and cartels in the state, and appreciated all partner agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Customs, Navy, and others.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Hon. Ezechukwu Obonna noted that the public nature of the exercise serves as a warning to drug traffickers, dealers, and collaborators that Imo State is not open to illicit drugs and substances. He stressed that those who profit from destroying the youth will surely face the full wrath of the law.
Drugs incinerated during the exercise included cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa, codeine-based syrups, crystal methamphetamine (mkpurummiri) and others, totaling 26 tons.
The event, which featured goodwill messages from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Customs, ended with prayers for the continued safety of Imo people and the success of the war against drug abuse in Nigeria.
