Stay Off Drugs, Banigo Tells Youths

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has advised youths not to be involved in illicit drug acts capable of jeopardizing their future.
Banigo gave this advice in a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, last Sunday, in commemoration of the 2021 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to the deputy governor, the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, hydrocodine, cocaine and other drugs by youths come mostly from peer influence, unbridled curiosity as well as depressed mind-set.
She added that drug abuse increases the risk of psychological trauma, road crashes, sexual pervasiveness, frustration, failures and death.
Banigo said under the watch of Governor Nyesom Wike, concerted efforts have been made to turn around the health sector, which includes, upgrading and rehabilitation of general hospitals, the Psychiatric Hospital, establishment of the College of Medicine at the Rivers State University, the Mother & Child Hospital, the construction of the ultra–modern Dr. Peter Odili Cardiovascular and Cancer Treatment Centre as well as Contributory Health Protection Programme.
The Harvard-trained public health physician, who expressed the need for stakeholders’ collaboration in the fight against drug abuse, insisted that parents must pay close attention to their children’s social activities.
She stressed that illicit drugs were key stimulants to the prevalent state of insecurity across the country.
It would be recalled that June 26 has been set aside to celebrate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The theme for this year is: “Share Facts On Drugs Save Lives”.