Drug Abuse: Enugu Govt. expands mental health services, access to prevention, treatment programmes

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says his administration is currently strengthening and expanding mental health services as well as access to prevention and treatment programmes in its four-tier health systems.

Mbah said this in a keynote address at the weekend during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command.

The commemoration was themed: "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Response".

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, the governor also revealed that special adolescent health units were also being established in health facilities as part of efforts to address drug abuse among young people.

He described drug abuse as both a public health and security challenge, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and society; adding that government was also focusing on promoting mental health well-being education.

Mbah emphasised the need for innovative, evidence-based, and collaborative strategies to address the growing drug abuse challenge.

The governor urged young people to reject drug abuse, while encouraging parents to play active roles in prevention.

According to him, the state government will continue to collaborate with the NDLEA and other stakeholders to build a safer, healthier, and drug-free Enugu State.

Mbah urged youths to take advantage of the numerous socioeconomic opportunities created by the state government.

He noted that opportunities had been opened up in agriculture, digital technology and mechanised farming to empower youths and discourage involvement in drug abuse.

“We cannot build a resilient and striving economy with youths who are not hardworking. It is with your brains and physical strength that our economy can grow.

“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous and we must ensure our youths remain productive and contribute meaningfully to economic development, through physical and mental well-being,” he said.

Earlier, the Commander of NDLEA in Enugu State, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, revealed that the agency seized 929.463 kilogrammes of various illicit substances and secured the conviction of 53 drug-related dealers in the state.

Adekunle said that various illicit drugs, which included: Cannabis Sativa and methamphetamine, popularly known as Crystal Meth or “Mkpuru Mmiri,” were seized between November 2025 and June 2026.

He said that within the period under review,  the command also counselled 157 clients, while 23 others were currently undergoing rehabilitation.

“Our prosecution unit is not left out. A total of 53 suspects have been convicted, while 111 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court. 

"Apart from the convictions, assets acquired as proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government," he said. 

Delivering a keynote lecture, Dr Roland Okere, a Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, described substance abuse as a “chronic illness” that destroys lives and limited future opportunities.

Okereke stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy, noting that many people with substance use disorders delayed seeking medical care due to stigma and poor access to treatment.

Speaking, Chairman of Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, urged parents to build closer relationships with their children to enable them share their challenges and receive proper guidance before being influenced negatively by unscrupulous peers.

Highpoints of the event were the crowning of Gov. Mbah as a Drug Abuse Ambassador; drama presentations and debates among others.

The event attracted traditional rulers, representatives of security agencies, officials of the Ministry of Health, officials of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), NYSC corps members and youth organizations in the state.