The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the State Drug Control Committee, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to combating substance abuse through stronger partnerships, preventive education and innovative interventions aimed at building a healthier, drug-free society.
Speaking at the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration organised by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), Cross River State, Mrs Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Education and Vice Chairman of the State Drug Control Committee, Prof. Stephen Odey, said the government remains resolute in protecting young people from the dangers of drug abuse.
The event, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, traditional rulers, security agencies, development partners and community leaders to discuss strategies for tackling substance abuse.
Mrs Otu described drug abuse as a growing public health, social, economic and security concern that threatens families, fuels crime and undermines sustainable development.
“As new psychoactive substances emerge and trafficking methods become increasingly sophisticated, our response must also evolve through innovation, collaboration, prevention, treatment and sustained public education,” she said.
She stressed that the state government would continue promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening family values and creating opportunities that empower young people to make responsible life choices.
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According to her, every individual rescued from substance abuse and every youth educated on the dangers of drugs represents progress toward building stronger families and safer communities.
Mrs Otu commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), healthcare professionals, counsellors, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions and other stakeholders for their continued efforts in preventing substance abuse and supporting rehabilitation.
She pledged to sustain advocacy for greater awareness, preventive education, mental health support and stronger partnerships that promote the well-being of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Calling on all stakeholders to intensify efforts, she urged families, schools, communities and institutions to work together in the fight against substance abuse.
Addressing young people, she encouraged them to reject drugs and embrace purposeful living.
“Choose purpose over pressure, ambition over addiction and hope over harmful substances. Your future is too valuable to be sacrificed to drugs. You have the potential to become leaders, innovators and agents of positive change,” she charged.
In recognition of her contributions to drug abuse prevention, ISSUP honoured Bishop Otu with a special award for her leadership and sustained advocacy in promoting a drug-free Cross River State.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA), Dr Charles Iwara, highlighted the link between substance use disorders and HIV infection, stressing that tackling drug abuse is essential to improving public health outcomes.
“The fight against substance abuse cannot be won in isolation. It requires sustained collaboration, strong advocacy and collective responsibility if we must build healthier and safer communities,” he said.
Earlier, the Cross River State Coordinator of ISSUP, Mrs Blessing Effanga, described the annual celebration as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collective action. She noted that addressing substance use disorders requires compassion, scientific evidence, community participation and sustained investment in prevention, treatment and recovery.
Delivering the keynote address, the Founder and Executive Director of the Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA), Dr Martin Agwogie, warned that Nigeria’s drug problem continues to evolve with the emergence of new psychoactive substances, increasing internet influence, sophisticated trafficking networks and changing patterns of substance use.
He advocated increased investment in family-centred prevention programmes, early childhood education, youth empowerment, school-based interventions, harm reduction strategies and professional capacity-building. He also called for greater involvement of state and local governments, schools, communities and faith-based organisations in drug prevention efforts.
The Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, commended ISSUP for hosting the 2026 World Drug Day celebration in Calabar, describing the event as a timely reminder that stronger partnerships and shared responsibility are essential to tackling substance abuse.
The event drew participants from government ministries and agencies, the NDLEA, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, traditional councils, security agencies, development partners and civil society organisations.
The commemoration ended with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration, expanding evidence-based prevention and treatment programmes, reducing HIV vulnerability associated with substance use disorders and building healthier, safer and more resilient communities across Cross River State.
