The Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre is set to begin operations following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the palace of the Asagba of Asaba and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre aims to combat drug addiction among youths and other residents by providing treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services.
Leading an FMC delegation to the palace on Tuesday, the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Ekeneam Omo, described the initiative as timely and reaffirmed the hospital’s full commitment to its success.
Omo praised the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, and members of the Drug Rehabilitation Committee for taking decisive steps to tackle drug abuse, saying their intervention reflected genuine concern for vulnerable youths.
He assured the traditional ruler that FMC would provide the professional medical expertise needed to drive the centre and achieve its objectives.
Responding, the Asagba described the partnership as a landmark initiative and commended the FMC and committee members for joining forces to confront the growing threat of substance abuse.
Azinge said the rising cases of drug abuse and trafficking underscored the need for a dedicated rehabilitation centre, stressing that those battling addiction require structured treatment, counselling and sustained support to rebuild their lives.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would strengthen rehabilitation efforts, helping recovering patients regain confidence and successfully reintegrate into society through continuous medical care and psychological support.
The monarch urged the medical team and committee members to remain committed to the initiative, emphasising that dedication, strategic planning and sustained collaboration among stakeholders would determine its success.
Azinge also revealed that the community was tackling the root causes of drug abuse by creating employment opportunities for young people and promoting sound moral values through responsible family upbringing.
He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had been briefed on the initiative and expressed confidence that the rehabilitation centre would serve both indigenes and non-indigenes across Delta State.
NAN reports that representatives of the Asagba’s palace and FMC, Asaba, formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the ceremony.
Following the signing, Azinge described the agreement as the foundation of a lasting partnership and expressed optimism that the rehabilitation centre would make a significant impact in the fight against substance abuse across the state.
source: NAN
