By Chinyere Nwoye
The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has urged individuals, families, communities, and stakeholders to renew their commitment to protecting children and young people from the dangers of drug abuse through sustained awareness, prevention, and support.
Mrs. Soludo made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked globally every June 26 to highlight the harmful effects of illicit drug use.
Speaking through her Healthy Living Initiative, the First Lady described substance abuse as a major threat to youth development. “Drug abuse destroys dreams, wastes potential, and weakens the foundation of families and communities,” she said.
She emphasized that the fight against illicit drugs requires a united front. Parents, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions, and government agencies, she noted, must collaborate to educate young people on the risks associated with substance use.
According to Mrs. Soludo, every child deserves to grow in a safe and healthy environment free from harmful substances, stressing that prevention remains the most effective strategy in tackling the menace.
She further called on Ndi Anambra to take a firm stand against drug abuse by promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting victims seeking rehabilitation, and discouraging practices that expose young people to illicit drugs. The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advance grassroots advocacy, awareness programmes, and partnerships through the Healthy Living campaign to reduce substance abuse and safeguard the well-being of children and youths across the state.
Mrs. Soludo also noted that World Drug Day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of governments, organizations, communities, and individuals in building a healthier, safer, and drug-free society. She expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration and public awareness, the scourge can be significantly reduced for the benefit of present and future generations.
Chinyere Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
