By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Aguata Chapter, and the House Committee on Health of the Anambra State House of Assembly, has intensified efforts to promote healthy living among young people as part of activities marking the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week.
The campaign, held on October 16, 2026, at the Aguata Local Government Secretariat, had the theme, **“Yes to Life, No to Drug Abuse.”** It also supported the adolescent health week theme, **“Nothing About Us Without Us,”** which highlights the importance of involving young people in decisions that affect their health and future.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Mmaduokwu Chibuike Charles, Coordinator of the NYCN Aguata Chapter, described the programme as “a collective call to action” against substance misuse.
He noted that the problem affects health, education, productivity, family relationships and community well-being. He called for greater cooperation among government agencies, parents, schools and community leaders to protect young people.
Also speaking, the member representing Aguata II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Tony Muobike, commended the youth council for organising the campaign. He warned that substance misuse could lead to addiction, serious health complications and death.
Addressing the students, Muobike reminded them that they were “the leaders of tomorrow” and urged them to protect their future by avoiding harmful substances and risky behaviours. He cautioned that such behaviours could expose them to sexual exploitation and increase their risk of contracting infections, including HIV. He also advised them to listen to their parents and guardians, respect their teachers and remain committed to their education.
In her presentation, Mrs Priscilla Ifeoma, PSO, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Anambra Command, educated participants on the causes, warning signs and consequences of substance misuse. She warned against taking medicines without proper medical advice, misusing prescribed drugs and consuming excessive doses, stressing the importance of responsible medication use.
Ifeoma encouraged young people to resist negative peer pressure, develop healthy relationships and engage in productive activities. She also urged them not to stigmatise people experiencing substance use problems but to encourage them to seek professional counselling and treatment.
In her remarks, Mrs Ngozi Evelyn Ekeh, Deputy Director and Population Programme Officer at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their health and future.
She explained that young people should have opportunities to express their views, ask questions and contribute to health programmes designed for them. She added that access to reliable health information and appropriate support would help them build confidence and make responsible choices.
The campaign forms part of the Anambra State Ministry of Health’s public health education efforts under the leadership of Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, and supports the state government’s broader health agenda under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. Hon.
The organisers urged participants to share the campaign’s message with their schools, families and communities, stressing that continuous education, early intervention and access to professional support were essential to protecting adolescents and building healthier communities.
