Youths of Ekukunela community, Ofutop clan in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State have officially flagged off a campaign against illicit drugs and substance abuse.
The campaign, has as its theme: “Ofutop Says No To Drug Abuse,’
Youth President of Ekukunela community, Pastor Adonis Ayang, during the campaign on Monday, charged young people in the area to quit illicit drugs consumption to avoid drifting into criminality and violence.
He declared the community’s total rejection of drug abuse, stating that “Ofutop says no to drug abuse! Drugs destroy individuals, break families, and derail communities.”
Ayang, urged the youths to channel their energy into profitable ventures like education, skills acquisition, sports and entrepreneurship.
In his lecture, the guest lecturer and former Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-Deforestation Committee, Odigha Odigha, warned that drug abuse comes with crime and illicit sexual activity, which does more harm than good to adolescents.
Odigha, called on the NDLEA, security agencies and health authorities to intensify sensitisation and rehabilitation programmes.
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He also appealed to the Cross River State government to support youth empowerment initiatives, stressing that “our community belongs to us. Its future belongs to us.
“Let’s make Ofutop community, let’s make Ikom Local Government area, let’s make Cross River State drug free, and make the state known for cleanliness, unity and responsible youth leadership.”
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the state Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue , represented by ACP Orole Vincent, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Samuel Abang, operatives of the NDLEA, the police, NSCDC, the army and health experts.
