Akwa Ibom urged to introduce high school drug test

Okon Bassey

Akwa Ibom’s government has been urged to introduce drug testing in secondary schools to combat violence and drug abuse.

The commander of the state’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Obot Bassey, said at a panel discussion on “Finding a Solution to Adolescent Worship: A High School Case Study of Uyo ”.

The forum was facilitated by the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Uyo, in collaboration with Lions Club Uyo, Jaycees Club International, Global Shapers and Toastmasters.

Speaking on the “role of hard drugs in adolescent worship,” Bassey said the rate of involvement in the illicit drug trade, heinous crimes such as rape, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping and worship, among other high school students in the state, was alarming.

She revealed that the state NDLEA had seized 165 kilograms of hard drugs from 105 young people in the state in the past four months.

“It could be shocking and very alarming to see that on August 6, 2021, a 26-year-old man was arrested with 1.2031 kg of cocaine worth N25 million, the highest seizure in the state. Akwa Ibom in 18 years. What will a 26-year-old do with 25 million naira? Bassey added. “To find a solution to teenage bigotry, my point is that we should look at protective factors and how to get children out of bigotry in Akwa Ibom State. Parents need to know how to develop their pupils.

Giving an overview of the situation at Uyo High School, Education Commissioner Idongesit Etiebet noted that illicit drug use disrupts education and fuels violence in society.

Etiebet, represented by the director of quality assurance at the ministry, Roseline Mfon, added: “The Uyo high school case has been at the forefront in the state, and it is quite serious. This is a source of concern for everyone, both the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State and beyond. “

She added, “It has come to a point where even some teachers are living in fear. In this kind of atmosphere, the teaching process is disturbed, children’s performance is negatively affected. So it’s a very big challenge. It’s a big problem. And I would like to particularly thank the organizers of this program for this noble initiative.

Information and Strategy Commissioner Ini Ememobong said: “We hope that after today’s discussion, we will go further by bringing in the students. And we believe that before the end of this year, we could have found the solution to the problem of teenage bigotry.

“In addition, this is the beginning of the process that will bring together all service organizations to carry out strategic planning for humanitarian services in Akwa Ibom State. “