...As Umuada Awgu Global Partners the Command for Massive Substance Abuse Sensitization in Awgu LGA
In a significant step toward strengthening the fight against substance abuse at the grassroots, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command, on Tuesday, honoured Amb. Dr. Chinemerem Anyi, Founder and Global President of Umuada Awgu Progressive Association (a.k.a Umuada Awgu Global), by decorating her as an NDLEA Ambassador.
The honour came during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Umuada Awgu Global to the Enugu State Command of the Agency, where the association formally unveiled its resolve to partner with the NDLEA on a comprehensive, community-based sensitization campaign against substance abuse across Awgu Local Government Area.
The decoration was made even more memorable as it came shortly after the State Commander's elevation to the position of Zonal Commander, making the recognition a symbolic affirmation of a shared commitment to safeguarding communities from the menace of illicit drugs.
Leading the delegation, Amb. Dr. Chinemerem Anyi expressed profound appreciation to the Command for granting the audience and for its unwavering commitment to protecting society from the devastating effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
She explained that the visit was far beyond a ceremonial engagement, describing it as a response to the growing threat substance abuse poses to families, communities, and the future of young people across Awgu and beyond.
According to her, the disturbing increase in drug and substance abuse among youths inspired the establishment of the Umuada Awgu Substance Abuse Prevention Initiative (UASAPI) - a social intervention arm of Umuada Awgu Global dedicated to prevention through education, advocacy, parental engagement, community mobilization, and youth mentorship.
She emphasized that every young person rescued from addiction represents a family restored, a dream preserved, and a community strengthened.
Amb. Dr. Anyi noted that the battle against substance abuse cannot be won by law enforcement agencies alone. She stressed that sustainable success requires strong collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, schools, faith-based organizations, families, youth groups, and community associations.
She therefore pledged the extensive grassroots structure of Umuada Awgu Global as a dependable platform for awareness campaigns, school outreaches, community sensitization programmes, parent education, and youth-focused advocacy throughout Awgu communities.
The Founder further expressed the association's readiness to benefit from the technical expertise of the NDLEA in training community volunteers, developing sustainable prevention strategies, and implementing impactful programmes capable of reducing substance abuse at the grassroots.
"Our vision is simple but profound - to protect our youth and preserve our future," she declared, adding that history would remember those who chose to act before the crisis became irreversible.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of Amb. Dr. Chinemerem Anyi as an NDLEA Ambassador, a recognition that underscores her passion for community development, youth empowerment, and social advocacy.
The honour also marks the beginning of what both parties described as a strategic partnership aimed at taking the anti-drug campaign beyond government offices into schools, homes, churches, markets, villages, and every community in Awgu Local Government Area.
With this collaboration, Umuada Awgu Global and the NDLEA are poised to launch an aggressive sensitization drive designed to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse, promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen parental responsibility, and build resilient communities free from the scourge of drug addiction.
The courtesy visit ended with renewed commitments from both the NDLEA and Umuada Awgu Global to sustain the partnership in the interest of the youths of Awgu, Enugu State, and Nigeria at large.
Indeed, the decoration of Amb. Dr. Chinemerem Anyi as an NDLEA Ambassador was not merely a ceremonial honour. It was a recognition of purposeful leadership and a call to greater service in the collective mission of protecting lives, restoring hope, and securing the future of the next generation.
