There are too many drinking joints in Anambra, monarch cries out

Chief Alex Onyido, the traditional ruler of Ogilisi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has called for stringent measures to curtail the growing number of drinking joints in the state.

Onyido made the call on Friday in Awka, while speaking at the 2017 edition of Lady Victoria Onyido quiz competition, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for secondary schools.

He said: “The trend is worrisome and not in the best interest of public health.

“Such facilities breed crime and criminality; the rate at which such businesses are springing up in all corners calls for concern.”

Onyido, who is the sponsor of the quiz competition, said it was meant to draw government’s attention to the use of illicit drugs among secondary school students.

The monarch lauded NDLEA’s commitment to the fight against drug abuse and peddling, pointing out that drug addiction and abuse could lead to other vices like kidnapping, armed robbery and prostitution.

In his speech, Governor Willie Obiano commended the sponsor and NDLEA for the effective collaboration in the fight against drug abuse in the society.

Obiano, who was represented by Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Commissioner for Education, said his administration was committed to quality education that would enhance students’ capacity to compete with their peers the world over.

The NDLEA Commander in Anambra State, Sule Momodu, in a brief remark, said the competition, which started four years ago, had yielded positive results.

Momodu commended the Anambra State Government for establishing Drug Free Clubs in secondary schools.