The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Wife of the Isi-Uzo Local Government Chairman, Mrs Onyinye Obeagu, have marked the 2026 Valentine’s Day with a campaign against substance abuse in Enugu State.
The event, titled “Valentine’s Day Outreach”, was organised by the Isi-Uzo Local Council Area in collaboration with Custo Care Foundation, Enugu, and NDLEA, under the theme, “Self-Love: Bedrock of Wise Choices.”
Speaking at the programme, Mrs Obeagu emphasised the value of every human life and the importance of making intentional choices. She noted that the outreach was designed to inspire youths and encourage individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
She described the initiative as a moment of reflection, renewal and to remind ourselves that every life was valuable, and every future was worth fighting for.
According to her, the event reinforced the importance of prevention, compassion and collective responsibility in building a safer and healthier society.
Obeagu urged students and young people present to approach the visit with open hearts and minds, stressing that the outreach was not to judge but to learn.
She advised them to be intentional about the company they keep and the decisions they make, reminding them that present actions shape the future.
“Learn that peer pressure is real. One wrong step can change a life — but one right decision can save it.
“Self-love requires discipline. When you genuinely care about yourself, you will be cautious about what you consume and the paths you choose. Your future is listening to what you do today,” she added.
Obeagu reassured individuals undergoing rehabilitation that they were neither forgotten nor defined by their past mistakes. She described rehabilitation as a second chance rather than punishment.
“It is not a prison. It is not punishment. It is a second chance. What brought you here does not define you — what you become after here is what truly matters. See your current situation as a pivotal moment rather than a conclusion,” she advised.
She expressed appreciation to her husband, Mr Obiora Obeagu, the wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, and NDLEA for supporting the programme.
In his remarks, the Commander of NDLEA Enugu State Command, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, cautioned youths against engaging in drug abuse, describing it as a harmful venture that damages vital organs.
Adekunle said the NDLEA Enugu State Counselling and Rehabilitation Centre remained one of the best in the country, explaining that clients often recover with time when kept away from substances and negative influences.
“To our clients on the recovery journey, we are proud of you. Choosing recovery is one of the bravest acts a person can make. It takes strength to face challenges, confront the past and admit the need for change,” he said.
He, however, reminded the Enugu State Government of its promise to expand the rehabilitation centre’s capacity from 25 to 50 patients.
“Drug menace is very terrible, and it is our prayer that those recovering will return to society and be useful to themselves, their families and Nigeria,” he added.
In a goodwill message, the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, said drugs do not solve problems but instead create more pain, destroy dreams and separate individuals from their loved ones.
Represented by her Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mrs Chidinma Egeonu, she encouraged those in rehabilitation to remain steadfast.
“Your journey is a sign of strength, not weakness, and every wrong choice can be turned around with determination,” she said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Custo Care Foundation, Mrs Egodi Igwe, pledged continued support for the campaign and stressed the need for youths to identify substances that could be abused and avoid them.