Pubdate: Sun, 21 Oct 2007
Source: Tide, The (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2007 The Tide
Contact:  http://www.thetidenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3973

NGO, MINISTRY PARTNER TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE

The Rivers State Ministry for Social Welfare and  Rehabilitation has 
formed plans with a Port  Harcourt-based Non-Governmental 
Organisation, Advocacy  on Drugs and Substance Abuse (CARDS) to check 
drug  abuse and other malaise in the state.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy visit to the  Commissioner for 
Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs  Ine Aguma Barrister Chibuzor 
stated that CARDS is  partering with the ministry to fight against 
drug abuse  because of the strategic position the ministry occupies 
and its role in rehabilitating victims of drug abuse.

According to her, studies carried out by researchers  have revealed 
that there is a relationship between  homelessness, destitution and 
substance abuse,  especially in metropolitan cities. Adding that 
abuse of  drugs such as marijuana, alcohol, crack, cocaine 
and  heroine inhibits the users ability to think coherently.

Rejecting the view that drug abuse is the problem of  poor minorities 
or big city residents, Chibuzor  stressed that drug abuse cuts across 
all walk of life  and disclosed that the number of people who have 
become  homeless and jobless due to drug use have increased.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and 
Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Aguma assured that the  ministry would 
partner with them in ensuring a  drug-free society.

She stated that no sane would resort to violence  without the 
influence of hard drugs and other related  substances.

The Commissioner also tasked the NGO to find a lasting  solution to 
drug abuse in the state and expressed worry  over the percentage of 
youths who are already victims.
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