Immediate former NACADA Secretary and CEO Victor Okioma is dead.
Okioma passed away while undergoing treatment abroad. He had retired from public service.
While mourning the late Okioma, current NACADA Board Chairperson and CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa termed Okioma as a visionary leader dedicated to the fight against alcohol and drug abuse in the country.
“His commitment and passion for this cause have left an indelible mark on NACADA and the many lives he touched. We join his family, friends, and all who knew him in mourning this great loss,” he said.
Okioma was receiving treatment outside the country before he succumbed.
“May his legacy continue to inspire us in our mission to create a drug-free society. Rest in peace, Mr. Okioma,” noted Omerikwa while signing the condolence book.
Okioma served as the National Administration Secretary in the Interior and Coordination of National Government Ministry between 2013/2014.
His conceptualisation and implementation of Government policies was grounded on very high professional standards, becoming a very refined public Administrator.
Reachout Centre Trust Executive Director Taib Abdulrahman mourned the late Okioma terming him as a dedicated selfless leader who worked with community organisations working on advancing harm reduction objectives in the Coast region.
“We have worked with him during his helm at NACADA and he valued every contribution from the anti-drug organisations in the Coast region. May his soul rest in peace,” said Mr Taib.
He added that through his efforts, Okioma bridged the gap between anti-drug organisations and the government, advancing progressive drug policies needed in disentangling people trapped in drug menace in the region.
Taib, acknowledged the continued support and engagements Mr Okioma championed to ensure there is no reinventing the already existing harm reduction programs but instead refining the already prevailing ones so that they become effective in the treatment, counseling and reintegration of recovering drug users.
[Reachout Centre Trust Executive Director Mr Taib Abdulrahman in his office. He has mourned the late immediate former NACADA Secretary and CEO. Victor Okioma, terming him as a legacy in the service for humanity. Photo/Ahmed Omar/August, 21, 24].
“We know him as our hero who was always in touch with anti-drug activists in all the six coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Tana River and Lamu. He always visited the region to get updated on various aspects and developments in the fight against drug use disorders among local communities in the entire Coast region,” noted Taib.
