Oproama Monarch Supports NDLEA Campaign Against Drug Abuse in Asari-Toru
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jumbo Nwakali Blessing
ASARI-TORU, Rivers State, Nigeria — The Amanyanabo of Oproama and its satellite communities, His Royal Highness King Tubutamuno Asifamabia Dick-Jaw III, Opolobia IV, has pledged his support for ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse and its associated social problems in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The monarch made the commitment on Tuesday during a Town Hall and Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by the Asari-Toru Local Government Council in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The meeting, held at the Council’s Hall of Fame, brought together stakeholders to deliberate on the growing concerns surrounding drug abuse and the need for stronger community-based measures to prevent the spread of illicit substances.
King Dick-Jaw III commended the Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA for convening the stakeholders’ meeting, describing the initiative as an indication of the council’s concern for the welfare, security and future of residents, particularly young people.
The monarch said drug abuse had become an increasingly worrying issue in communities across the local government area, warning that the consequences extend beyond individual users to families and the wider society.
He identified peer pressure, idleness, unemployment and the lack of productive activities for young people among factors contributing to drug abuse.
According to him, the easy availability of illicit substances and inadequate parental guidance have also created conditions that make some youths vulnerable to drug use and other related social problems.
The traditional ruler expressed concern that continued drug abuse could worsen insecurity and undermine the development of communities in the area.
He linked substance abuse to rising cases of crime, cultism, school dropouts, mental health challenges and family breakdown.
The monarch said the consequences were placing additional pressure on families and community structures, stressing the need for preventive measures rather than relying solely on enforcement after young people had already become involved in drug abuse.
“We cannot fold our arms while our children destroy their future,” King Dick-Jaw III said.
He pledged the support of Oproama and its satellite communities for the local government and NDLEA in the campaign against drug abuse.
“Oproama and all our satellite communities pledge total support to the council and NDLEA in this war against drug abuse. We will use our traditional institutions to sensitise our youths and ensure they are steered away from this menace,” he added.
The monarch urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring and guiding their children, while calling on youth leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to participate actively in efforts to prevent drug abuse.
He also advocated greater investment in education, vocational training, skills acquisition and other productive programmes capable of reducing idleness and creating opportunities for young people.
King Dick-Jaw III further stressed the importance of community vigilance, saying traditional institutions could play a significant role in educating residents, identifying emerging risks and supporting government agencies in addressing the problem.
The town hall meeting forms part of the Asari-Toru Local Government Council’s renewed efforts, in partnership with the NDLEA, to address both the supply and demand sides of illicit drug use within the area.
Stakeholders at the meeting are expected to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, parents, youth organisations and communities in order to develop sustainable measures against substance abuse.
The initiative comes amid broader concerns across Nigeria over the impact of illicit drug use on young people, public safety, education and community development.
The monarch’s pledge is expected to strengthen the involvement of traditional institutions in awareness campaigns and community-level interventions aimed at preventing drug abuse among youths in Oproama and other communities within Asari-Toru LGA.
