A Valentine-themed advocacy programme in Enugu State has reinforced the fight against substance abuse, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) partnered with Mrs Onyinye Obeagu to promote responsible choices and rehabilitation among young people.
The initiative, titled “Valentine’s Day Outreach” and themed “Self-Love: Bedrock of Wise Choices,” was organised by Isi-Uzo Local Government Area in collaboration with Custo Care Foundation, Enugu, and NDLEA. The event focused on prevention, awareness and encouragement for individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
Speaking at the programme, Mrs Onyinye Obeagu, wife of the Isi-Uzo Local Government Chairman, described the outreach as a moment of reflection and renewal. She stressed that every life is valuable and every future worth fighting for.
According to her, the campaign aimed to inspire youths to make intentional decisions while offering hope to those in recovery.
“Self-love requires discipline. When you genuinely care about yourself, you will be cautious about what you consume and the paths you choose. Your future is listening to what you do today,” she said.
She urged students and young participants to resist peer pressure and be mindful of their associations, noting that a single wrong decision could have lasting consequences, while a right choice could change the course of a life.
Addressing individuals at the rehabilitation centre, Obeagu reassured them that their current circumstances did not define their future.
“It is not a prison. It is not punishment. It is a second chance. What brought you here does not define you – what you become after here is what truly matters,” she added.
In his remarks, the Commander of NDLEA Enugu State Command, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, warned against drug abuse, describing it as a destructive habit that harms vital organs and disrupts lives.
He noted that the NDLEA Enugu State Counselling and Rehabilitation Centre remains one of the most effective in the country, with many clients making steady recovery when removed from harmful substances and negative influences.
“To our clients on the recovery journey, we are proud of you. Choosing recovery is one of the bravest acts a person can make,” Adekunle stated.
He, however, called on the Enugu State Government to fulfil its pledge to expand the rehabilitation centre’s capacity from 25 to 50 patients in order to address growing concerns over drug abuse.
Also delivering a goodwill message, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu State Governor, cautioned that drugs do not solve problems but instead destroy dreams and strain family relationships.
Represented by her Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mrs Chidinma Egeonu, she encouraged individuals undergoing rehabilitation to remain steadfast, describing recovery as a demonstration of strength rather than weakness.
The Managing Director of Custo Care Foundation, Mrs Egodi Igwe, pledged sustained collaboration with stakeholders to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns across Enugu State.
The Valentine outreach concluded with renewed calls for collective responsibility, preventive education and continued support for rehabilitation efforts aimed at building a healthier, drug-free society.
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