By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr Tony Nworah, has urged parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to discourage youths from illicit drug use and other social vices.
Nworah made the call on Aug. 27 at Exotic Suites and Event Centre, GRA, Onitsha, during the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) celebration in honour of individuals recognised for their contributions to community development.
He described the growing prevalence of illicit drug use among youths as a major concern across Anambra and Nigeria, stressing that tackling the menace required collective action.
“Youths should stop the use of illicit drugs. The governor has set programmes like One Youth, Two Skills for the youths. No state in Nigeria does what we do in Anambra State,” Nworah said.
He urged youths to reject the pursuit of quick wealth, warning that the desire for instant riches could expose them to criminality and other social vices.
The mayor also appealed to parents to take a more active interest in the lives of their children by knowing where they go, what they do and the people they associate with.
He cited the popular saying, “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are,” to emphasise the importance of positive peer influence.
According to him, “The youths are the future of today, not tomorrow, as always said,” while commending ASTUC for recognising individuals who had distinguished themselves in community development.
Nworah, who was among those honoured at the event, said his ambition to represent the Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives was driven by the desire to provide effective representation grounded in a clear understanding of the people’s needs and challenges.
He said his nearly two years as a local government mayor had given him valuable grassroots experience, which he intended to apply if elected.
“When you represent people, you will first of all carry the burden of the people on your shoulder,” he said, stressing that effective representation went beyond empowerment.
He said it also involved listening to constituents and translating their needs into laws and policies that would improve their welfare.
On the forthcoming local government election in Anambra, Nworah claimed that 20 of the 21 local government areas were witnessing affirmation, attributing the situation to what he described as the reluctance of other political parties to compete with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
He said Anambra West was the only local government area where another political party was participating, adding that APGA remained deeply rooted in the state’s politics.
“Any election won or lost in Anambra is won or lost by APGA,” he declared.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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