From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Dr KON Orizu 111 has on Thursday pledged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Alternative Development Programme.
The highly revered monarch made the pledge when the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor(PhD), led the NDLEA National Coordinator, Alternative Development Programme, Dr Jonas Kolo, his deputy, Mr Idris Abdulahi, and the Anambra State Command of NDLEA on a visit to his palace.
Igwe Orizu said he would reach out to the President-General for a meeting with the Nnewi community to brief them, assuring that the message will be communicated to Nzukora Nnewi and other necessary bodies.
He urged youths to imbibe self-control to shun drugs.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Mefor, who congratulated the monarch on attaining 101 years, said the team came to bring the programme to Nnewi youths, having earlier taken the campaign against hard drugs to other communities in the state.
The NDLEA State Commandant, Charles Onubuogu, said Anambra is the only state in the South-East admitted into the programme, which will be supported by illustrious sons of Nnewi.
The Coordinator of the programme, Dr Kolo, who brought greetings from the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Marwa, commended Igwe Orizu for his contributions to nation building, noting that Marwa is concerned about drug use and trafficking in society.
“We can’t continue to arrest youths, instead we want to empower them to help them establish better. We bring Alternative Development Programme supported by the Federal Government, United Nations, and those ready to change will be supported. We need support of ndi Nnewi,” he said.
Kolo requested Igwe and the President-General(PG) to help identify people involved and mobilise stakeholders.
He assured that whatever funds are gotten will be used in the community, expressing belief that the project which worked in Thailand, Mexico and Colombia will work in Nnewi.