The Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna has received the award of Ambassador of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
Obonna was presented with the award by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Imo, as part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse, in Owerri, on Thursday.
The NDLEA Commander, Mr Ibrahim Ohida, said the award was presented to Obonna in recognition of his outstanding contributions and commitment to the fight against drug abuse.
Receiving the award, an elated Obonna thanked the NDLEA for thinking of him and for recognizing his efforts in the fight against drug abuse.
He thanked Gov. Uzodinma for providing him with the platform to excel by creating the Office of a Special Adviser on Narcotics, and pledged his continued commitment to the fight.
“ I dedicate this award to my governor for allowing me to excel and to all officials of the NDLEA for their unalloyed cooperation in this fight”, he said.
Obonna said that he would be spurred on by recognition to ensure that his mandate and that of the NDLEA are actualised in Imo.
He said that the state government was particularly interested in helping the youths shape their future away from the misuse of drugs, hence the donation of hilux vans to the NDLEA in Imo and the renovation of a rehabilitation facility for the agency.
He called on Imo youths to desist from the misuse and illicit trafficking either as mercenaries or otherwise, for the sake of their lives and future.