The acting First Lady of Akwa Ibom State and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno-Obareki, has expressed concern over the growing influx of illicit drugs into the state, warning that the proliferation of substances produced in secretes laboratories poses a serious threat to the future of young people.
Mrs. Obareki, who also chairs the Akwa Ibom State Drug Control Committee (AKSDCC), said the increasing availability of cheap and highly addictive synthetic drugs could leave many youths unable to contribute meaningfully to the state’s socio-economic development.
She made the remarks during a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Youth Development to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Uyo.
The event brought together members of the State Forum of Village Youth Presidents (FVYP) in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
Speaking on the global theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Mrs. Obareki stressed the need for innovative strategies to combat substance abuse, noting that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient.
She observed that social media and digital platforms have transformed the marketing and distribution of illicit drugs, making them more accessible while normalising drug use among vulnerable youths.
According to her, substance abuse continues to undermine youth productivity, fuel crime and cultism at the grassroots, and worsen social stigma, while the emergence of synthetic drugs produced in hidden laboratories presents an even greater danger.
She called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), other security agencies, community leaders and youth organisations to strengthen collaboration in tackling the menace through sustained public awareness campaigns, digital surveillance and grassroots mobilisation.
Mrs. Obareki reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of drug abuse through Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on rural development and youth empowerment.
The AKSDCC chairperson also highlighted the role of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), describing it as a platform that equips young people with vocational skills and mentorship to reduce unemployment and discourage drug dependence.
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Charging participants to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign, Mrs. Obareki urged them to take the message to their communities, schools and campuses by using their local influence and social media platforms to expose the dangers of synthetic drugs and discourage substance abuse.
“I charge you today to take this advocacy beyond this hall into every village, ward and campus represented here. Use your social media platforms, your youth structures and your community assemblies to expose the dangers of synthetic drugs and dismantle the false glamour surrounding substance abuse,” she said.
She further encouraged the youth leaders to identify vulnerable peers, support them towards rehabilitation and work closely with relevant government agencies to ensure communities remain hostile to drug traffickers while providing safe spaces for recovery.
