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RIGHT MINDS LEADERS NETWORK COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

Global Drugs Report (2022) by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime shows that an estimated 275 Million persons worldwide, or 1 in every 18 persons aged 15-64 had used drugs at least once in the previous year.

In Nigeria alone, the Prevalence of drug use is 14.4 percent which corresponds to 14.3Million people aged 15-64.

This certainly poses a serious threat to both the present and future of young people globally especially, here in Nigeria.

In a bid to contribute to the War Against Drug Abuse in Rivers State, Nigeria and by extension, Africa, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing by 2030 - Right Minds Leaders Network in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Command, Students' Union Government (Rivers State University), Sustainable Actions for Nature, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, Rivers State Hub, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Rivers State Command, Transcend Africa Initiative, Anti-Drugs Misuse and Abuse Programme, ADMAP, AIESEC Port Harcourt, and other CSOs and agencies of government, commemorated the United Nations 2022 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an Awareness Road Walk and Sensitisation for a Drug-Free Society and Symposium tagged: "Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises."

The Awareness Road Walk and Sensitisation for a Drug-Free Society, place from Agip Junction, Ikwerre Road to Student Community, Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt Campus.

During the Walk, Commuters, Indigenes of the community as well as students within and around the environs were informed and educated on the dangers of drug abuse and other substances of abuse through the use of flyers, custom placards, and the word of mouth. This is owing to the fact that ignorance is a major cause of drug abuse.

Second phase of the day's event was a symposium which took place inside the Amphitheatre of the Rivers State University with over 400+ participants.

During the symposium, the NDLEA Commander, Rivers State Command, Mr Ahmed Mamuda gave a keynote address with insights to the state command's efforts in saving the state from the ugly menace of Drug abuse and addiction.

Dr. Kporbu Kennedy, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, UPTH and Senior Lecturer with University of Port Harcourt, gave an insightful lecture on: "Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises".

The symposium also featured goodwill messages, presentations, etc.

John Best Uche, Founder and Volunteer Executive Director of Right Minds Leaders Network said, with media partnership, they were able to reach roughly up to 14 Million people within the South-South Region and beyond through live studio appearance, news coverage and feature stories.

They are grateful to all their partners and volunteers.

Media Partners: ''Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Port Harcourt; Nigeria Info 92.3FM, Port Harcourt; BusinessDay Newspaper; Plus TV Africa; Channels Television; Super 93.3FM, Port Harcourt; Trust TV; Silver News NG. ''