By Rose Oranye
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, led the NDLEA National Coordinator of the Alternative Development Programme, Dr Jonas Kolo, his deputy, Mr Idris Abdulahi, and the Anambra State Command of NDLEA on a visit to Obosi community.
They were received by the President-General of Obosi Development Union (ODU), Barr. Chimezie Obi, represented by Mr Anthony Efobi, the Youth Leader, and Ambassador Engr. Nwobi, who represented the traditional ruler, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.
The PG, in his welcome address, said their coming showed they really care for the youths, adding that they will learn how to live better as leaders of tomorrow.
The Vice President of ODU, Hon Anthony Amaifeobu, warned that NDLEA will arrest anyone found with drugs and it will affect their future, noting that cultism, kidnapping and rape are done by drug users, adding that it is not late to come out of it as NDLEA will help them.
Dr Mefor, who said he likes associating with youths and feels worried seeing youths go astray, said Governor Soludo is worried about the future of youths and Anambra with all the infrastructure he is putting up.
He said that youths have lost their way and what they are pursuing is not what Anambra is known for, noting that this is not to say that all youths are bad, but the gathering is about what to do with those tarnishing the state image.
“The Governor is worried and wants a change which is why he mandated Ministry of Information to Ministry of Information and Value Reformation. We are set. Part of what we are doing is legislation, moral suasion and enforcement. What we are doing now is moral suasion, pleading with us. Afterwards, enforcement follows. If you don’t want change, it’s left for you. We won’t allow it anymore, that’s why we are joining forces with NDLEA on this programme. We are not going to allow drug abuse to continue in Anambra. After today, if you don’t change, arrest will follow,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Kolo said the community will be appreciative of the Alternative Development Programme in future years.
He said drugs destroy health and future, and the programme is bringing back the future that has been lost in Obosi, adding that “if the youths are given to drugs, who will sustain the development projects put in place in Anambra, which is why they are concerned about the future of youths.
“We have drug lords celebrated as celebrities and the young ones are looking at them. We have come to tell you to stop the wrong thing and embrace the right thing. The mandate of Alternative Development is to call you to leave drugs and come to be empowered.
The Anambra State Commandant of NDLEA, Commander Charles O. Onubuogu, said Anambra is chosen in the South-East and Obosi is being considered, as it is the highest consumer and seller of hard drugs.
He urged them to come out, be helped, leave drugs and engage in meaningful ventures, embrace Alternative Development to be free and beneficial to themselves and society, adding that Obosi as a community should support because they can’t leave it for government alone.
