BY EJOOR ONOHARIGHO
THE Chairman of Delta State Drug Control Committee, Pharm. (Mrs.) Helen Orie has reaffirmed the resolve of the state government to deal decisively with the peddling and consumption of hard drugs.
Orie re-emphasised that the state government’s position on the sale and consumption of hard drugs remains in force, noting that the growing involvement of youths is particularly worrisome.
She disclosed this troubling development during a recent meeting of the State Drug Control Committee held in Asaba.
The chairman called on all stakeholders, cutting across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), community leaders, religious institutions, schools, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to actively join forces to reduce the fight hard drug use and abuse in the society.
During the meeting, a review of activities put in place to enhance various strategies aimed at addressing visible challenges was presented.
Committee members, among other engagements, visited different schools, participated in the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, attended a Next Generation function, took part in Independence Day activities and participated in a similar seminar in Bayelsa State in collaboration with other bodies fighting the scourge of hard drugs and substance abuse.
Members also embarked on fact-finding missions to rehabilitation centres, while advocacy, sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns were carried out at motor parks, hospitals, radio and television stations, with strict monitoring to achieve a more positive impact.
Orie reiterated that the state government does not only focus on the arrest of drug peddlers and the use of sensitisation campaigns, but was also committed to helping drug addicts overcome their addiction.
In the same vein, members proposed various advocacy visits to members of the State Legislature, some members of the State Executive Council and local government chairmen to achieve wider collaboration and greater success in the fight against hard drugs and substance abuse.
Speaking in one voice, the chairman and members commended the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to reducing drug abuse and for funding the committee to ensure a higher level of success.
The chairman wished committee members a rancour-free Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, urging them to return with renewed vigour to continue their service.
Those in attendance included representatives of the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ministries of Justice and Information, NGOs, CSOs, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Bureau of Orientation and Communication, officials of Correctional Centres, among others.
