Police, CSO Organize Awareness March Against Drug Abuse In Imo
The Stand For Humanity Foundation, in collaboration with the Imo State Police Command, on Saturday organized a procession through the streets of Owerri, the state capital, to raise awareness about drug abuse in the state.
Despite inclement weather, participants commenced their march from Dan Anyiam Stadium, distributing informational handbills and educating residents on the perils associated with drug abuse.
Chidiebube Okeoma, the founder of Stand For Humanity Foundation, stated that the organization is partnering with the police under the auspices of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, which is managed by the police Public Relations Officer, to combat this pressing issue.
Okeoma, a child rights advocate, informed journalists at the Government House Roundabout in Owerri that this awareness initiative is a continuation of the July 4, 2026, campaign against child abuse organized by the foundation.
He emphasized that investigations conducted by the organization have indicated that drug abuse significantly contributes to child abuse. Okeoma asserted that to sustain the fight against child abuse in the state, it is imperative to eradicate drug abuse.
Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, remarked that this initiative is part of the non-kinetic strategies employed by the command to address crime.
Representing the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, Okoye noted that the awareness march aligns with the command’s community policing strategy aimed at creating a crime-free environment.
Okoye commended Stand For Humanity Foundation for its collaboration with the police in efforts to enhance public safety.
Chief Superintendent of Police Ifeanyi Ikokwu, who oversees the Anti-Narcotics Unit, reported an increase in drug abuse within the state and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working alongside Stand For Humanity Foundation and other stakeholders to combat this issue.
He disclosed that his unit has conducted numerous raids on drug syndicate locations, resulting in arrests, rehabilitation of offenders, and subsequent legal actions.
Ikokwu advocated for broader partnerships among Stand For Humanity Foundation, other Civil Society Organizations, and stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse.
Juliana Obidinanwa, the Divisional Police Officer at Shell Camp Police Headquarters in Owerri, expressed concern over drug abuse among teenagers in the state.
She urged parents to remain vigilant, highlighting that even secondary school students are involved in drug use.
Comic actor Osinachi Dike, known as Apama, called upon Stand For Humanity Foundation and the police to extend their outreach efforts to rural areas, emphasizing the need for sustained success in the campaign.
Professor Otitodiri Onyema, a law educator at Imo State University, asserted that partnerships like the one between Stand For Humanity Foundation and the police are crucial for guiding youth away from drug abuse.
He encouraged other Civil Society Organizations to follow suit by engaging stakeholders and government institutions to eradicate crime in the state.
Human Rights activist and broadcast journalist Chinonso Uba, known as Nonso Nkwa, lamented the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.
Uba urged that proactive measures be implemented to prevent teenagers from engaging in drug use, warning of the potentially severe consequences.
Eric Uwakwe, the Special Adviser to the governor on Youth Affairs, expressed the state government’s support for initiatives aimed at diverting youth from criminal activities.
Uwakwe affirmed that his office will continue to collaborate with Stand For Humanity Foundation, the police, and other stakeholders to foster peace in the state.
The campaign concluded with participants walking through major streets of the state capital before returning to Dan Anyiam Stadium.
