The campaign, themed “Ofutop Says No To Drug Abuse,” was formally launched on Friday at Ekukunela by the Youth President, Pastor Adonis Oboungha Ayang, who said the community can no longer fold its arms while drugs destroy its future.
Ayang warned youths to desist from illicit drugs, saying drug abuse is fueling criminality, violence and moral decay. “Ofutop says no to drug abuse! Drugs destroy individuals, break families and derail communities,” he declared.
He urged youths to shun drugs and embrace education, skills acquisition, sports and entrepreneurship, stressing that the clean-up exercise was part of efforts to promote a healthy and drug-free environment.
Guest lecturer and former chairman of the Cross River State Anti-Deforestation Committee, Dr. Odigha Odigha, in his lecture, said drug abuse goes hand-in-hand with crime and illicit sexual activity. He called on the NDLEA, Police, NSCDC, Army and health authorities to intensify sensitization and rehabilitation.
He appealed to the Cross River State Government to support youth empowerment, stressing,”Our community belongs to us. Its future belongs to us. Let us make Ofutop, Ikom and Cross River State drug-free.”
Also speaking public health officer with the Cross River State Ministry of Health Mr. Eyam Kingsley, who spoke on the consequences of illicit drugs Consumption urged youths to desist from consumption of illicit substances adding that the toxicidity in the drugs has caused a lot of pain to families.
He urged youths not to be addicted to drugs so that they can live their lives happily. “I have treated up to 10 persons with madness caused by excessive consumption of illicit drugs.
“This was achieved with a combination of knowledge from Orthodox medicine that I learned in school and the local medicine which I also learned from my grand parents who were healing people with plants from the forest.’
The flag-off was attended by the commissioner of police, CP Ajo Geoffrey, represented by ACP Orole Vincent, members of the State House of Assembly, NDLEA operatives, traditional rulers, health personnel and community leaders.
