From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A group, the Girls Empowered for Change Foundation (GEFCF) has launched the anti-illicit drugs campaign and abuse in communities in Bayelsa State, urging women to take interest in the status of their children through periodic urine tests.The Foundation in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) sensitizes women on the harmful consequences of drug abuse, including its impact on physical health, mental well-being, and societal development.

The Founder, Gloria Wodu while speaking at the One-Day sensitization and awareness program on drug and substance abuse held in Akenfa Community of Yenagoa Local Government council, urged women in the state to take close interest in their well-being.Wodu also introduced the participants to urine drug testing kits and trained them on how to use them to detect early signs of drug use in their children or wards.According to participants, the session was particularly insightful for parents and guardians, Mrs. Wodu, urging mothers to use the drug testers every three months once their children reach 13 years old, especially when living in an unsafe environment.According to her, “Every three months, have your child urinate in a cup and insert the tester to find out if he or she has been exposed to drugs. Sometimes, they may pretend they have not taken any drugs.”Wodu also warned the young girls against making poor life choices, using the biblical example of Esau who traded his destiny for a mere meal, urging them to value their future and stay away from drugs, which could destroy their dreams and aspirations.Gloria Wodu, while addressing the women, emphasized the importance of a stable home environment in preventing drug abuse, encouraging mothers to nurture a loving and disciplined atmosphere at home to prevent sibling rivalry and depression, which often lead young people into drug use.Also speaking, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics(ACN), Erepa Godwin spoke extensively on the Drug Treatment, Prevention, and Care (DTPC) initiative, which focuses on rehabilitation, counseling, and reintegration programmes for individuals struggling with drug addiction, encouraging community members to seek help and support for affected individuals rather than stigmatizing them.In her speech, the founder of the Do Foundation and Legal Practitioner, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, reinstated the call for women and youths in Bayelsa State to stay away from illicit drugs and substance abuse. She highlighted the legal and social consequences of drug-related offenses and encouraged community members to advocate for a drug-free society.