By Rose Oranye
The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, has pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Alternative Development Programme.
Igwe Orizu made the pledge on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, led the NDLEA National Coordinator, Alternative Development Programme, Dr Jonas Kolo, his deputy, Mr Idris Abdulahi, and the Anambra State Command of NDLEA on a visit to his palace in Nnewi.
Igwe Orizu said he would reach out to the President-General, Jude Osummuo, for a meeting with the Nnewi community to brief them, assuring that the message will be communicated to Nzukora Nnewi and other necessary bodies, while urging youths to imbibe self-control to shun drugs.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Mefor, who congratulated the monarch on attaining 101 years, said the team came to bring the programme to Nnewi youths, having earlier taken the campaign against hard drugs to other communities in the state.
The NDLEA State Commandant, Charles Onubuogu, said Anambra is the only state in the South-East admitted into the programme, which will be supported by illustrious sons of Nnewi.
The Coordinator of the programme, Dr Kolo, who brought greetings from the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Marwa, commended Igwe Orizu for his contributions to nation building, noting that Marwa is concerned about drug use and trafficking in society.
“We can’t continue to arrest youths, instead we want to empower them to help them establish better. We bring Alternative Development Programme supported by the Federal Government, United Nations, and those ready to change will be supported. We need support of ndi Nnewi,” he said, requesting the Igwe and the President-General to help identify people involved and mobilise stakeholders.
He assured that whatever funds are gotten will be used in the community, expressing belief that the project which worked in Thailand, Mexico and Colombia will work in Nnewi.
The Youth Leader of Nnewi, Ejim Emmanuel Ucheagwu, who apologised for lapses in the organisation of the visit, said drug abuse is a source of concern, noting that it has gotten to secondary schools and urgent action is needed.
He said he will pass the message to youths and stakeholders ahead of their meeting next Sunday, reassuring that they will do their best to make the programme succeed.
