By Emmanuel Mandella

In a bold address to the public in Nzara County on Friday, the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Hon. Daniel Badagbu, declared a multi-front war on “social cancers” eroding the social fabric of the state’s youth and future leadership, citing drug abuse, HIV & Hepatitis, and teenage pregnancy as key factors.

The Governor described an alarming rise in the use of tramadol, a prescription painkiller now widely abused among the youth, especially young men. He warned that the drug is silently destroying the productive force of the state.

“Our young men have made tramadol their daily bread. But let me tell you, this will not only destroy your health but also your ability to lead, work, and even to function as men,” said Governor Badagbu.

He warned that any youth found abusing tramadol without a medical prescription will face a minimum of three years in prison, as part of a newly proposed crackdown under his administration.

The acting governor also raised the alarm over the widespread presence of HIV and Hepatitis B and C in the region, which he said is affecting the region’s rural and urban areas.

“We are not just losing lives. We are losing teachers, farmers, mothers, and future leaders to preventable diseases. This must stop,” he added.

In his call for reforms, Badagbu urged families to monitor their children closely, warning that any child caught loitering or attending night functions without supervision will be arrested, and their parents held accountable.

“If your child is found at a disco or a party at night, expect a knock on your door. We must restore the dignity and peace of this land together,” he warned.

The acting Governor revealed that the Western Equatoria Transitional Legislative Assembly is currently working on new legislation to prevent early and forced marriages, a legislation that will help girls from early pregnancies and marriages.

The State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare estimates that over 30% of girls in the state get pregnant before reaching 18. The statistics align with the UNFPA’s 2023 report that stated that early pregnancy is one of the top causes of school dropouts and maternal health risks in South Sudan.

“Teenage pregnancy is destroying our girls’ dreams. We must return them to school not rush them into marriage or motherhood,” Badagbu stressed.

Experts believe the acting governor’s move could have far-reaching economic and social impacts if implemented effectively.

Mr. Samuel Sabeko, a local Yambio-based sociologist told The City Review that: “Reducing drug use, boosting education, and minimizing early pregnancy are fundamental to stabilizing not just households, but also the local economy.”

“Young people hooked on drugs or trapped in early marriage cycles are less likely to be economically productive. This affects everything from labor markets to long-term GDP growth.”

Improved security and law enforcement in communities, the acting governor says, are also expected to boost public trust, enable safer markets, and promote investment confidence, particularly in agriculture and small businesses that form the backbone of the state economy.

Badagbu closed his address by calling on community leaders, churches, civil society, and parents to join hands in shaping a future of dignity, discipline, and direction.

“Let us not view this as a mere government initiative, but a collective moral revolution. We either act now or we lose an entire generation.”