CROSSJOF Lauds Boki LGA Chairperson Hon. Nyiam Over Fight Against Illicit Drug Abuse
Abuja (Core Reporters) Cross Rivers State journalists in Abuja under the umbrella body of Cross Rivers State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) has commended the steps taken so far by the Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Eti-Eka Hon.Beatrice Etta Nyiam for her efforts to fight drug-related social vices in the council.
The press statement, jointly signed by CROSSJOF Chairperson Mrs. Francisca Ogar and Secretary Mr. Raphael Ekpang on September 13, 2025, highlighted the causes and effects of drug abuse, including peer pressure, parental neglect, and lack of control of prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines.
As a result of these effects, it results in physical and mental health problems as well as impaired cognitive function and academic performance, increased risk of crime and violence and social and economic problems among others.
Hon. Nyiam had charged community leaders to report and arrest individuals engaging in illicit drug abuse, assuring them of government partnership in finding long-term solutions. CROSSJOF called on communities to take ownership and work with security personnel to build a safer society.
The forum emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns, education, and provision of educational and employment opportunities to the youth. They also stressed the importance of parental guidance and collaboration among regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare facilities.
CROSSJOF commended Hon. Nyiam for taking bold steps to fight drug abuse and urged all council chairmen in the state to intensify efforts towards eradicating drug intake among youths.
In addition continuous provision of educational and employment opportunities to the youth should be facilitated by the appropriate stakeholders while greater involvement of parents in guiding their children should be encouraged in all ramifications.
Furthermore, Hon. Nyiam in her quest to have a council free of drug abuse charged the leaders and security agencies to leave no stone unturned in this fight, stressing that offenders , especially those who lure unsuspecting young persons into the act for selfish gains must be made to face the wrath of the Law, irrespective of gender and age.
While applauding the timely response by Hon. Nyiam, CROSSJOF having identified drug abuse as one of the major issues confronting the council in particular and the state in general, urged the Boki council chairman and her counterparts in other local government areas in the state to intensify efforts towards eradicating intake of illicit drugs by the youths.
They emphasized the fact that the fight against illicit drug abuse cannot be won by security agencies alone so communities must take ownership, guiding their youth while working with the security personnel to build a safer and more resilient society.
“We want to sincerely commend Boki Local Government chairperson, Eti-Eka Hon.Beatrice Etta Nyiam for taking this bold step to fight drug abuse in the council, because illicit drug abuse has rendered most of our youths useless over time and the only way to correct this menace is to battle it headlong as she has started.”
“CROSSJOF calls on all council chairmen in the state to rise to the occasion and intensify efforts towards eradicating drug intake among youths”.
The statement concludes by working together, communities, government, and security agencies can create a safer and more resilient society.
