Anti-Drug Crusade: International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP-NIGERIA CHAPTER)Cross River State Branch led High-Impact Awareness Campaign on the 29th of December, 2025.
By Ruth Ekeng
29th December 2025
The International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), Cross River State Branch, spearheaded a strategic street campaign across the state capital on the 29th of December 2025, intensifying the fight against the scourge of illicit drug use within the metropolis. This high-impact initiative saw professionals and advocates engaging directly with residents to educate the public on the devastating effects of substance abuse and to offer clear pathways for recovery. In a high-stakes move to safeguard the just concluded 2025 Calabar Carnival, ISSUP Cross River State Branch partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to launch this intensive war against substance use along major carnival routes.
During the exercise, the NDLEA Deputy Commander in Calabar, Mrs. ROseline Ada Nandi, revealed a significant security victory: the interception of four tons of cannabis in the Biase Local Government Area just days before the festivities. Officials noted that the illicit shipment was destined for Calabar, as drug traffickers often attempt to exploit the massive carnival crowds to flood the state with narcotics. Mrs. Nandi commended the People’s First administration of Governor Prince Bassey Otu for its proactive stance against substance abuse, specifically lauding the State Drug Control Committee recently inaugurated by the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who is spearheading efforts to establish a modern rehabilitation facility for the successful reintegration of victims into society.
The Cross River State Coordinator of ISSUP, Mrs. Blessing Randolph, emphasized that the campaign’s presence on the carnival routes is part of a broader mission to sensitize prevention of Substance Use, stating that their essence is to keep Cross River State drug-free by providing the public with direct access to global standards of Prevention, treatment and recovery support. Supporting this mission, the assistant state coordinator, Mr. Matthew Anake detailed a strategic grassroots approach that includes targeted outreach to Schools, market women, churches and transport unions like Keke riders. This inclusive communication strategy utilizes native languages and Pidgin English to ensure the message resonates at the grassroots level while offering direct pathways to ISSUP professionals for those in need of evidence-based treatment.
The campaign concluded with a strong call to action for the youth to resist peer pressure and choose a substance-free lifestyle. As a global brand, ISSUP remains committed to providing evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery support to ensure the Season of Sweetness remains safe, healthy, and vibrant for all residents and visitors.
#SubstanceFreeCalabar #ISSUP #NDLEA #CalabarCarnival2025 #PeopleFirst #SubstanceUseProfessionals #SeasonOfSweetness #AntiDrugCampaign
