Human angle
Battling drug addiction : Otti rescues homeless young woman posted by Lord Zeus
Stephanie Clems, Umuahia
The wife of Abia state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has intervened in the case of a trending young girl said to be addicted to drugs but surprisingly exhibits wit and boldness.
Lord Zeus had shared the video of this young lady who was said to be an indegene of Abia state on his Instagram page drawing people’s attention to her struggles with alleged substance abuse on the streets of Asaba, Delta state.
The post elicited lots of reactions from the public and concern from the wife of the governor, Priscilla who ordered for her immediate rescue from the streets.
Out of compassion, she has also offered to rehabilitate the young lady identified as Glory in a rehabilitation centre to help her overcome her addiction to illicit substances.
It was the fact that she was said to be from Abia state that caught the attention of Mrs. Otti who immediately reached out to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abia State, Mr. Chidi Nnadi, to coordinate a swift response.
With their combined efforts, Glory was rescued and taken for medical assessment, where doctors confirmed she had been battling addiction to dangerous drugs including, methamphetamine, cannabis, and cigarettes, substances that had taken a toll on her mental and physical well-being.
She was then admitted into a rehabilitation center in Aba, and will be the responsibility the governor’s wife until she’s rehabilitated
Mrs. Otti has once more given attitude to her advocacy which goes beyond individual interventions.
Speaking on the fight against drug abuse, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr. Nnadi acknowledged Mrs. Otti’s leadership, noting that while 40 individuals are currently undergoing rehabilitation, an additional 60 are awaiting admission.
He disclosed that 40 drug traffickers have been successfully prosecuted and emphasized the need for a collective approach to tackling drug abuse.
He highlighted its devastating impact on families and communities.
Mrs Otti as chairperson of the Abia State Drug Control Committee, has been a strong force in drug prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation efforts.
Under her leadership, the Abia State Government has expanded its support to NDLEA by providing an additional drug treatment and rehabilitation center in Umuahia, strengthening the state’s capacity to help those in need.
Some two recovering patients at the rehabilitation center shared their stories, testimonies of how addiction had once controlled their lives, and how structured support and rehabilitation have given them a second chance.
It is not just in policy but in action. She stands as a beacon of hope for those battling addiction, reinforcing the idea that no one should be left behind.