The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, has launched advocacy visits to key partners in preparation for this year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8.
The visits, which began with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aim to strengthen collaborations in addressing the rising effects of drug abuse among youths, women, and men in society.
Representing the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu, highlighted that most cases of domestic violence in the state involve perpetrators under the influence of hard substances. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to curb the menace.
A member of the advocacy team and Coordinator of Supporters of Good Governance, Lady Chinweogo Uba, underscored the importance of sensitization campaigns, especially targeting men and youths who are the primary consumers of hard substances. She solicited the agencies’ support in reducing the problem to the barest minimum.
In their separate remarks, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Daniel Onyishi, the National President of ASATU, Barr. Titus Akpudo, and the Commandant General of NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, welcomed the visit and pledged their partnership to combat drug abuse and domestic violence in the state.
This year’s International Women’s Day is themed “Accelerate Action.”