Umuawa Youth Executive Collaborates with NDLEA to Educate Awa Youth on the Dangers of Drug Abuse
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Umuawa-Alaocha Youth Executive, led by Hon. Adindu Chizaram, held a sensitization and awareness campaign on the dangers of drug abuse for the youths of the community.
The event was conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by Umuahia Area Commander Ogunbiyi Joseph.
During this sensitization program, which took place during the first general meeting of the Umuawa-Alaocha Youths under the new administration, the Youth President emphasized the need for the campaign in light of concerning behaviours exhibited by some community youths who have turned to drugs, jeopardizing their lives.
In his address, he announced a ban on the public use and trafficking of illicit drugs within the community. He warned that anyone caught using illicit drugs would incur a fine of ₦20,000 and would be reported to the NDLEA. Similarly, anyone found peddling drugs would face a fine of ₦50,000 and would also be handed over to relevant security agencies for prosecution.
Additionally, the Youth Executive declared a ban on all forms of cultism in the community, stating that anyone apprehended would face legal consequences.
The administration also launched a skill acquisition program for 15 youths—five from each of the three blocs of Umuawa-Alaocha: Ogwara Na Nkaru, Umuyota, and Umuezerola. The skill sets offered include tailoring, shoe-making, hairdressing, and barbing. The Youth President urged bloc leaders and the 11 village youth leaders in Umuawa-Alaocha to submit the names of interested youths for training.
He appealed to the youths to support him and his executive team in their efforts to restore the glory of Awaland.
During the sensitization, the NDLEA officers outlined the dangers of drug abuse, including lack of concentration, job loss, extravagant spending, broken marriages, memory loss, and even untimely death. The Area Commander noted that drug abuse offers no benefits and ultimately renders the abuser ineffective. He urged the youths to avoid hard drugs to protect their future.
The NDLEA officers expressed gratitude to the Umuawa Executives for their partnership and assured them of their support in eradicating illicit drugs from the community.
In response to the vision and programs of the new executive, Chief Wisdom Chukwudike commended them for their initiative and pledged his support.
Mr. Paul Igbokwe also praised the youths, highlighting that it had been years since the youths of Umuawa gathered in such a manner and noted that they had made a strong start.
Ms. Chinonso Omeoga thanked the youth leadership for organizing the meeting and requested that the guidelines discussed be printed and circulated to the leadership of the 11 villages in Umuawa-Alaocha for further community sensitization.
