In response to the rising incidence of substance abuse and its devastating impact on young people, Senator Austin Akobundu, representing the Abia Central Senatorial District, has committed to actively collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to effectively combat this pressing issue within the youth of Abia Central.
The Senator made this statement in reaction to the horrific murder of a woman and her twin children, allegedly carried out by her brother, who is believed to be struggling with mental health issues stemming from substance abuse, in Isiama Afaraukwu, Umuahia North LGA.
The tragic incident, which took place last week, has left the community reeling. Expressing his deep sorrow, Senator Akobundu has initiated efforts to address substance abuse among the youth by engaging relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the Isiama community over this heartbreaking event and urged the police and other security agencies to take proactive measures to eliminate illicit drugs and their use among the youth in the senatorial district.
As part of his ongoing commitment to positively engage the youth of Abia Central and steer them away from the streets, Senator Akobundu has been organising various empowerment and skills acquisition programmes aimed at transforming them from job seekers to job creators, thereby helping them gain meaningful employment in their chosen trades.
These initiatives include an ongoing digital skills acquisition programme, sponsorship for constituents to the National Teachers Institute, training in cosmetology and paint making, sewing, farming, and providing scholarships for students in higher education.
