Akwa Ibom Govt Sensitises Youth Leaders on Drug Abuse, Vandalism Prevention

 

By Tommy Emem and Aniekeme Ikwang

Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse and youth-related crimes by sensitising youth leaders across the state on the dangers of substance misuse, vandalism, and other social vices.

The one-day sensitisation workshop, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development on Friday, June 26 at the Civil Service Auditorium, State Secretariat, Uyo, commemorated the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse. It brought together members of the Akwa Ibom State Forum of Village Youth Presidents and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter.

Panelists at the event

The workshop, themed "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," focused on equipping youth leaders with knowledge and practical strategies to address emerging challenges associated with drug abuse while promoting responsible citizenship and the protection of public infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, described young people as indispensable partners in building a peaceful and progressive society. He urged participants to become advocates against drug abuse, criminality, and the destruction of public facilities in their respective communities.

Attendees at the occasion 

Dr. Ekanem clarified that the occasion was not a celebration of drug abuse but a day set aside to raise awareness about its devastating consequences.

"There is nothing to celebrate about drug abuse. Rather, today is an opportunity to sensitise our young people on the adverse effects of substance misuse and encourage them to make positive life choices," he said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, described drug abuse as a growing societal crisis that threatens families, communities, and the nation's future workforce. She stressed the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the menace.

She noted that the year's theme serves as an urgent call to confront both longstanding and emerging drug-related challenges through innovative and community-driven responses.

"This theme is not merely a slogan. It is an urgent roadmap that compels us to confront the silent warfare substance abuse wages against our families, communities, and the very foundation of our workforce—the youth. We must collectively rise to address one of the most resilient crises of our time," she said.

Participants were taken through a series of technical sessions by experts from relevant government agencies and institutions.

Speaking on road safety and responsible behaviour, CRC Nsembo Brown encouraged youths to imbibe safe driving habits, obey traffic regulations, and make responsible decisions capable of preserving lives.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) delivered a presentation on youth-related crimes and anti-vandalism campaigns, highlighting the economic and developmental consequences of vandalising public infrastructure.

On mental health, Dr. Evelyn and Dr. Idongesit Ubi educated participants on the relationship between substance abuse and mental wellbeing, urging young people to seek professional help whenever confronted with emotional or psychological challenges.

Similarly, ASN Monday Otabor spoke extensively on drug abuse prevention, warning participants against the dangers of substance misuse and calling for sustained advocacy towards building a drug-free society.

Goodwill messages delivered by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; the Director of Administration and Supplies, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Anthony Isonguyo; Special Assistant on Youth Matters to the Governor and State Coordinator of the Female Youths (Purple), Lady Edna Daniel and the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Ekong, encouraged youths to shun substance abuse to enable them contribute meaningfully to the society.

The event also featured a panel discussion on the theme of the event and ballad presentation titled, "lifestyle".

The programme ended with a call on participants, to take the campaign against drug abuse and vandalism back to their communities in order to build a safer, healthier and more responsible Akwa Ibom State.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development; and the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Ekong, all of whom commended the initiative and encouraged youths to serve as ambassadors of positive change.

The sensitisation programme forms part of Akwa Ibom State Government's broader commitment to youth empowerment, crime prevention, and sustainable social development.

Dignitaries at the event included the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki; Commissioner for Youth Development and host, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem; Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Felicia Kalu, represented by CRC Nsembo Brown; the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Nsikak-Abasi Udo; President of the Akwa Ibom State Forum of Youth Presidents, Mr. Itai James Abraham; Chairman of the NYCN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Ekong; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Lady Ethna; the Coordinator of Female Youth, Akwa Ibom State, alongside directors and staff of the ministry.