The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, has held the maiden edition of the Okpebholo and Marwa Mini-Marathon Against Drug Abuse for secondary school students in Benin City. The event, which began and ended at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, drew participants from several secondary schools, including Oba Ewuare, Edokpolor Grammar, Ogbe, and Oba Akenzua Secondary Schools. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among young people on the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.
The mini-marathon, which took participants through the Kings Square axis, was attended by NDLEA officials, government representatives, and anti-drug advocates. The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Pius Alile, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to strengthening the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state. The governor's representative emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the issue of drug abuse among young people.
The NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the event as historic, noting that it was designed to sensitize students and other young people on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse. Ofoyeju emphasized the need for sustained efforts to educate young people about the risks associated with drug abuse. The commander also commended the Edo State Government for its support in the fight against drug abuse.
The State Government's Senior Special Assistant on Drug and Illicit Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, called for increased public support and collective action in the campaign against drug abuse. Efe stressed that the fight against drug abuse required a collaborative approach, involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and individuals. He urged participants to become ambassadors for the anti-drug campaign in their schools and communities.
At the end of the marathon, winners were rewarded with one-year academic scholarships and decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Ambassadors. The ambassadors were tasked with promoting the anti-drug campaign in their schools and communities. The organizers said the initiative would further strengthen efforts to keep young people away from illicit drugs and encourage them to make healthy and responsible choices.
The mini-marathon is part of a broader strategy to address the issue of drug abuse among young people in Edo State. The NDLEA and the Edo State Government have been working together to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The collaboration has led to several initiatives aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting a drug-free society.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to the fight against drug abuse in Edo State. The NDLEA, the Edo State Government, and other stakeholders have pledged to sustain their efforts to address the issue of drug abuse among young people. The mini-marathon has been hailed as a success, with participants and organizers expressing their commitment to the anti-drug campaign.
Key points
- The NDLEA and Edo State Government collaborated to hold a mini-marathon to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse among secondary school students in Benin City.
- The event drew participants from several secondary schools and was attended by NDLEA officials, government representatives, and anti-drug advocates.
- Winners of the marathon were rewarded with one-year academic scholarships and decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Ambassadors.
