By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Cross River State journalists in Abuja under the umbrella body of the Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) have hailed the chairperson of Boki Local Government Area, LGA, Hon. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, fondly called “Eti- Eka” for championing the fight against the menace of illicit drug abuse in the council.
This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by CROSSJOF chairperson, Mrs. Francisca Ogar and the secretary, Mr. Raphael Ekpang on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Hon. Nyiam recently, at a sensitization and peace meeting held in a Katchuan Irruan, one of the communities in Boki communities, urged
community leaders to report anyone caught engaging in illicit drug abuse to law enforcement authorities.
The Boki Council Chairperson assured the people that the government would partner with communities as a way of finding long-term solutions to drug abuse.
Furthermore, in her quest to achieve a drug- abuse -free society, Hon. Nyiam charged community leaders and security agencies to leave no stone unturned in this fight, warning that offenders, especially those who lure unsuspecting young people into the act for selfish gains must face the wrath of the Law, irrespective of gender and age.
According to the statement, CROSSJOF commended Hon. Nyiam for her bold step towards ensuring that Boki Local Government Council is zero – drug abuse tolerant 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.”
It urged the council and community leaders in the state to intensify efforts towards eradicating intake of illicit drugs by the youths.
“Drug abuse is mostly caused by peer pressure and social influence, parental neglect or deprivation, lack of control of prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines, decline of family value systems, and unemployment and poverty.”
“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,” CROSSJOF started.
CROSSJOF Forum called on communities to take ownership of the campaign by partnering with security personnel to build a safer society, adding that public awareness campaigns and education on the dangers of drug abuse should be an everyday commitment by the leadership of the council.
The Forum called for continuous provision of educational and employment opportunities by stakeholders for youths, while greater involvement of parents in guiding their children and wards should be encouraged in all ramifications.
“CROSSJOF calls on all council chairmen in the state to rise to the occasion and intensify efforts towards eradicating drug intake among youths, thereby creating a safer and more resilient society.
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