— FPU, TFP lead sensitization drive to save youths from destruction
*By Lamai Cassius*
Fugar — Concerned by the rising wave of drug abuse and cult-related violence among youths, the Fugar Progressive Union (FPU) in collaboration with the Towards Fugar Progress (TFP) Initiative has launched a community-wide sensitization and advocacy campaign to tackle drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking at the rally, Mr. Danladi Isah, Head of the Demand/Reduction Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo North Command, described drug abuse as a “silent destroyer” and urged young people to shun illicit substances, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
“Hard drugs have caused more harm than good to our society,” Isah said, listing the psychological, social, and physical consequences of drug use, including criminality, HIV transmission, depression, heart attack, and brain damage.
He emphasized that the campaign became necessary following alarming reports of increased drug use in the senatorial district.
Barrister Richard Anetekhai, National President of FPU (represented by Chief David Agabi), said the sensitization drive was inspired by the recent death of a youth linked to hard drug consumption.
He cautioned young people against cultism and vices that threaten peace and development in the community.
In his remarks, Chief Peter Omokpo, Fugar Sector Commander of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), issued a “red card” to perpetrators of cultism, kidnapping, and drug trafficking, vowing to make Fugar “unsafe for criminals.”
The event featured solidarity walks, public lectures, and outreach sessions, with community leaders, students, and civil groups in attendance.
A highlight of the campaign was the presentation of a sewing machine and accessories to Miss Okhumale, a physically challenged girl, by the TFP Initiative, a symbolic gesture promoting empowerment as an antidote to social vices.
Organizers said the campaign will be sustained through schools, churches, and youth organizations, ensuring Fugar becomes a model community in the fight against drug abuse and social decay.
