…Calls for total war against drug abuse
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai gave the assurance when members of the General Manager’s Forum and the United Correspondence Chapel paid her a courtesy call in her office in Yenogoa.
The Commissioner stated the Ministry would ensure residents of the State are adequately informed about government policies and programmes, to encourage public participation in the development of the State.
Hon. Obiyai who noted that all media organisations and the Ministry’s social media platforms would be explored to keep the public abreast of events, noted that regular briefings would be embarked upon by government.
Earlier, the Chairman of the General Manager’s Forum, Mr. Fredrick Fabor of the Niger Delta Television Authority (NDTV), informed the Commissioner that the body comprises General Managers of Royal FM, Rhythm, Creek FM, People’s FM, AIT, NTA, Radio Bayelsa and Raypower.
Mr. Fabor who commended the government for recognising the forum, prayed for continuous collaboration and inclusive retainership of its membership.
On their part, the Vice Chairperson of the United Correspondence Chapel, Mrs Joy Emmanuel who stated that their media channels involve national Newspapers and TV stations, pledged their commitment in the discharge of their duties and prayed for an all-inclusive partnership.
In a related development, Hon. Obiyai applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) for contributing their quota in protecting and saving lives.
The Commissioner who noted that youth involvement in drugs has increased, leading to several cases of psychosis, stressed the need for regular sensitisation of the dangerous effects of drug abuse in a bid to groom sane leaders for tomorrow.
She therefore urged the NDLEA to intensify the propagation of their programmes in schools and nooks and crannies of the State to prevent drug abuse, as well as rescue addicts.
Earlier, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Kanu Chukwuemeka noted that drug abuse poses major challenges in health problems, and increased vices in society.
Commander Chukwuemeka who stated that they embark on drug policy control advocacies, conduct test for early detection, added that they also offer counselling in their rehabilitation centre in the State and urged all to join in the war against drug abuse.
On their part, the chairperson of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Andabai Mbeleokpo Sonia, commended Governor Douye Diri’s administration for upgrading the School of Nursing and Midwifery to a College of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as offering scholarships to postgraduate nurses at the Niger Delta University, among other achievements.
She pledged their commitment to saving humanity and prayed for adequate healthcare facilities, urgent employment of more nurses and midwives, especially in the rural areas to meet the health needs of the growing population.
