By: Marka Davis
MONROVIA – Young advocate and recent high school graduate Valentine Ugbobuaku has called on the Government of Liberia to take concrete and decisive action to end the growing problem of drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
Speaking at his graduation ceremony on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Barnesville, Ugbobuaku described drug abuse as a national crisis that continues to destroy the lives and futures of many young Liberians.
He said the fight against drug abuse is not only a government responsibility but also a moral duty to save the next generation.
“The fight against drug abuse in Liberia is a fight for the soul of our nation,” he declared. “We cannot afford to lose a generation to addiction. The time to act is now.”
Delivering a powerful Salutatorian address at the 22nd Convocation of the Kula Memorial Academy, Ugbobuaku outlined several factors contributing to the widespread abuse of drugs among Liberian youth.
He highlighted peer pressure as one of the main reasons many young people begin using drugs, explaining that some are influenced by friends or social groups who make drug use appear normal or acceptable.
He also blamed the lack of awareness and education about the dangers of drug abuse, noting that many young people are not adequately informed about the physical, mental, and social consequences of addiction. Ugbobuaku further expressed concern over weak border control and poor enforcement of drug laws, which, he said, make it easier for harmful substances to enter the country and circulate freely in communities.
The young advocate warned that drug addiction has devastating effects on individuals, families, and the nation at large. He said the most visible impact is the destruction of young lives, as many users suffer mental health breakdowns, physical illnesses, and, in some cases, death.
He added that drug abuse often leads to job loss, family conflict, and isolation, with some addicts turning to crime and violence to sustain their habits.
Ugbobuaku noted that the increase in drug-related cases has also placed a heavy burden on the country’s already struggling healthcare system, as hospitals continue to treat rising numbers of patients suffering from drug-induced conditions.
He described the growing number of broken families and lost youths as “one of the most heartbreaking effects of the crisis.”
He called on the government to strengthen law enforcement to ensure that traffickers and dealers face the full weight of the law while improving border control to stop the inflow of illegal substances. At the same time, he urged authorities to establish rehabilitation and counseling centers across the country, saying drug users deserve “care and second chances rather than condemnation.”
Ugbobuaku further encouraged national leaders to promote education and awareness campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, and communities to help young people understand the dangers of drug abuse. He also appealed for greater investment in job creation and vocational training to give youths hope and alternative opportunities for a better life.
He concluded by calling on parents, teachers, and community leaders to play active roles in mentoring and guiding young people, stressing that everyone has a part to play in winning the fight against drugs.
“With strong leadership, community involvement, and compassion, we can rebuild a society where our young people are empowered, not addicted,” Ugbobuaku said. “Say no to drugs, and yes to hope, healing, and a better future.”
