The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Abia State Command, CN Chilee Chigbu, has highlighted the importance of the Command’s rehabilitation centre, describing it as one of Nigeria’s largest and most effective facilities for treating individuals affected by drug abuse. During a recent visit to the State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mrs. Nwachukwu Tessy, the NDLEA Commander emphasized that rehabilitation alone is insufficient without proper reintegration into society.
CN Chilee called on the NDE to introduce skill acquisition programmes for individuals currently undergoing treatment at the NDLEA facility. She explained that equipping rehabilitated drug users with practical vocational skills would better prepare them for life during and after recovery. Additionally, she urged the NDE to consider providing employment opportunities for these individuals, noting that meaningful engagement is crucial for preventing relapse and ensuring they become productive members of society.
In response, Mrs. Nwachukwu Tessy assured the NDLEA of the NDE’s readiness to collaborate effectively. She highlighted that the agency has professional trainers across Abia State who are well-equipped to support skill acquisition programmes covering more than eighty different vocational skills. This meeting underscores the growing recognition that successful drug rehabilitation requires a comprehensive approach that combines medical treatment with economic empowerment.
By partnering with the NDE, the NDLEA aims to address one of the most challenging aspects of addiction recovery: helping individuals rebuild their lives through sustainable employment and self-reliance. This collaboration represents a significant step toward breaking the cycle of drug abuse in Nigeria, where unemployment and lack of opportunities often contribute to substance dependency. Furthermore, this initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen their drug rehabilitation programmes through multi-agency cooperation.
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