By Wisdom Ebu
The Chairman, House Committees on Health, Nutrition and Food Security and Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, has commended the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, for its commitment and efforts towards combating drug and substance abuse in the state.
Essien gave the commendation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at a press conference organised by the association at Uranus Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The lawmaker called on stakeholders across the state to join forces in tackling the growing menace of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of mentally unstable youths roaming the streets of Uyo, describing the situation as a matter of serious concern that should attract the attention of the public and relevant authorities.
According to him, the fight against drug abuse requires a collective and sustained approach, stressing that intervention should begin early, particularly from the secondary school level, where young people could be adequately sensitised on the dangers associated with drug and substance abuse.
He also commended the administration of Governor Umo Eno for what he described as significant achievements in the health sector, urging stakeholders at the event to support government efforts by encouraging residents to enrol in the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.
He noted that registration for the scheme costs N18,000, while children between one and five years, elderly persons and pregnant women are covered free of charge.
The lawmaker urged participants and other stakeholders to use their various platforms to promote the health insurance scheme, describing it as an important avenue for improving access to affordable healthcare services across the state.
He reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, health professionals, community organisations, schools, parents and other stakeholders to effectively address drug and substance abuse and safeguard the future of young people in Akwa Ibom.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Pharm. Donatus Adigom, said the press conference was organised to highlight the various achievements of the association’s administration within its limited period in office.
Adigom noted that the leadership had taken steps to address the growing challenge of drug and substance use disorders among youths through its anti-drug abuse school competition. He explained that the 2026 edition of the competition featured an essay component, anti-drug abuse skit presentation and anti-substance abuse clubs, among other activities.
On the challenges confronting the fight against drug and substance abuse, Adigom acknowledged the growing burden of substance use in Nigeria, saying the association had reviewed relevant data and reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
He, however, called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ministry of Education, schools, parents, traditional and religious leaders, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other relevant stakeholders to join hands in building a coordinated prevention framework to safeguard the future of children and youths in the country.
Also in attendance were: The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, immediate past Chairman, (ACPN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Pharm. Donatus Adigom, representative of the state Commissioner police, among others.
