June 26 every year, the world comes together to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an initiative launched by the United Nations in 1987 to reflect, raise awareness, and take action against the dangers posed by drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. This year’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention (Break the Cycle, Stop Organised Crime)”, carries a powerful message: the time to act is now, and the best solution lies in prevention.
Against this backdrop, Abia State is taking bold steps under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who is proving that the fight against drug abuse must go beyond words and gestures. For him, building a healthier society begins with protecting lives, especially the youth, from falling into addiction and restoring hope to those already affected.
Across the cities and towns of Abia, the signs of the crisis are evident, young people mentally unstable and wandering the streets as a result of drug-induced illness. These are not just random scenes; they are heartbreaking reminders that urgent, collective action is required to save lives and futures.
Governor Otti has taken this burden seriously. His administration has adopted a comprehensive strategy, one that balances enforcement with compassion. In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia is tightening its grip on drug trafficking and substance misuse, while also working with families, schools, and communities to raise awareness and offer support.
Furthermore, the government is investing in rehabilitation. Under Governor Otti’s leadership, correctional and treatment centers across the state are being upgraded to provide proper care, psychological support, and vocational training. These centers are no longer seen as places of punishment alone but are gradually becoming spaces for healing and renewal
This forward-thinking strategy echoes the powerful words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who once said: “Drugs have destroyed many lives, but wrong policies have destroyed more.” Governor Otti’s approach stands out precisely because it avoids that trap. Rather than relying solely on harsh crackdowns, his administration focuses on restoring lives and tackling root causes, a shift from punishment to purpose.
In addition to this, the State Drug Abuse Control Committee has been established. It brings together stakeholders from health, security, civil society, and traditional institutions to coordinate outreach, prevention, and recovery services, ensuring that even the most remote communities are not left behind.
This people-focused approach reflects the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasizes ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. As the SDGs remind us, “Health is a fundamental human right and a key indicator of sustainable development.” Governor Otti’s policies echo this vision by prioritizing both prevention and healing.
The effort to sanitize the drug supply chain is also being taken seriously. In a recent joint operation led by NAFDAC in Aba, with the backing of security agencies, unregistered and dangerous drugs were seized from circulation. This move is part of a larger drive to rid the markets of fake pharmaceuticals and protect citizens from harmful substances.
Equally noteworthy is the role of Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the First Lady of Abia State, who has been a vocal advocate for youth-centered prevention. She continues to emphasize the need for education, compassion, and community support, noting that the stigma surrounding addiction often pushes victims further into isolation. Her message is clear: we must guide, not condemn. As part of this year’s commemoration, the First Lady joined other key stakeholders, civil society groups, youth organizations, and government agencies in a drug awareness walk through Umuahia, an event organized by the NDLEA in collaboration with the state government. It was yet another demonstration of her belief that young people must be consistently informed, guided, and protected from the dangers of substance abuse.
Beyond law enforcement and rehabilitation, the Otti administration is also working to prevent the root causes of drug abuse through youth empowerment programs, school engagement, sports, mentorship, and skills acquisition initiatives. These are critical in giving young people alternatives and hope for a better path.
Indeed, Governor Otti is showing that fighting drug abuse is not just about cracking down on offenders, it is about saving lives, restoring dignity, and building a stronger, safer Abia.
