From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Youths and residents of Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have been urged to intensify the fight against narcotics and drug abuse.
The call was made by prominent Nigerian lawyer and Director-General of GGAI, Sir Leonard Anyogo, during a stakeholders’ meeting with residents of Alifokpa in Yala Local Government Area.
Anyogo urged residents to strengthen their efforts against drug abuse, participate actively in the electoral process and remain security-conscious as part of collective efforts to promote peace, security and development in the community.
He made the call during the stakeholders’ meeting held at his residence, Anyogo’s Resort, where he also encouraged residents to support the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu in its efforts to drive development across Cross River State.
Anyogo stressed the importance of community participation in governance, urging residents to take ownership of development initiatives while working closely with the government and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting the community.
The community expressed appreciation to Anyogo for his sustained advocacy and efforts to promote inclusiveness and create a strong sense of belonging among residents.
However, they appealed to the state government to expedite action on the construction of the Akreha Bridge and Alifokpa Road, describing both projects as critical to the growth, accessibility and connectivity of the community.
In a related development, Anyogo held a separate meeting with the Catholic Parish Priest of Mater Ecclesiae Parish, Alifokpa, Yache, Rev. Fr. Raphael Mose. The two discussed strategies for combating drug abuse and advancing community development.
The lawyer reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the engagement beyond Alifokpa to other communities within the ward and eventually across the local government area.
He said the initiative was part of sustained efforts to promote peace, security, responsible citizenship and grassroots development.
Anyogo maintained that meaningful development could only be achieved through collective action, urging community leaders, religious institutions, government authorities and residents to work together to address social challenges and create a safer and more prosperous environment for all.
According to Anyogo, the engagements form part of his continued commitment to strengthening grassroots participation, encouraging responsible citizenship and advancing sustainable development within Yala Local Government Area and Cross River State.