The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General O.C. Ajunwa, has urged soldiers and their family members to totally abstain from the abuse of drugs, describing it as “an ugly trend capable of destroying their lives.”
Ajunwa made this call during a sensitization lecture on substance / drug abuse organized for soldiers and their family members held at the Command Day Secondary School Auditorium, Ikeja on Saturday.
Represented by Commander Division Equipment Support, Colonel Emmanuel Omoba, General Ajunwa said the event was designed to create awareness on the increasing incidences of drug abuse amongst soldiers and most especially their family members, as well as its effects within barracks community.
Ajunwa emphasised that abuse of drugs amongst military personnel and their family members has eaten very deep, warning that if not urgently addressed head long, could lead to a serious catastrophe.
While advising the participants to be careful in making decisions as such could make or mar their future, General Ajunwa encouraged parents to put in more efforts in their parental responsibilities by ensuring a good upbringing for their children and keeping close watch on them, adding that it takes a collective approach to curbing this ugly trend.
Delivering a lecture at the seminar, Dr. Odigie-Akpataka pointed out that depression, despair, feeling of hopelessness, and other stress inducing factors are not enough reasons to indulge in drug abuse, which according to her, exposes victims to mental and health risks.
“If any of you is struggling with something, go to the MRS and seek for help and learn to cut your coat according to your cloth.” She advised.
The workshop witnessed a huge turnout of soldiers and their families from units within 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
Highlights of the seminar were the presentation of sovenirs and group photographs.
