The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, in collaboration with the Edo State Drug Control Committee, recently held the maiden edition of the Okpebholo-Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse. This event, held in Edo state, Nigeria, marks the first time a mini marathon has been dedicated solely to secondary school students in the fight against drug abuse. Over a hundred students from four public schools participated in the race.
The marathon, tagged "Running Against Drug Abuse," was flagged off by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, who was represented by the deputy chief of staff, Honourable Pius Alile. The Deputy Governor commended the NDLEA and the ESDCC for the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of Edo youths. He reiterated the state government's commitment to youth development and a drug-free society.
The Commander of the NDLEA Edo State Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the event as historic and the first of its kind in the country. He emphasized that the fight against drugs is not limited to arrest and enforcement alone but a balanced approach that engages youths positively through sports, education, and empowerment programmes. Ofoyeju noted that drug abuse destroys the brain, body, and dreams of young people.
The first, second, and third positions in the marathon were won by students of Edopkolor Grammar School. Ojie Victor, Osamende Bright, and Chambaivi Miracle took the first, second, and third positions, respectively. They were decorated as War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors of the anti-drug agency. The winners will receive full one-year academic scholarships, and the first prize winner will also enjoy free registration for the Senior Secondary School Certificate examination.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Policy, Andrew Efe, commended the initiative and urged the students to remain ambassadors of the campaign beyond the marathon. He thanked the Governor for his political will to address the drug problem in the State and assured participants that the Okpebholo-Marwa Marathon will be sustained. Efe noted that the marathon serves as a platform for recreation, physical fitness exercise, and talent hunt for grassroots sports development.
The Commander commended the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) CON, for their passion for youth development and a drug-free society. He appreciated the governor for endorsing the programme and making it rewarding and impactful for the students. The winners will be formally decorated as War Against Drug Abuse Student Ambassadors for Edo State.
The maiden marathon climaxed with a rallying call: "Run for health! Run for life! Run against drug abuse!" The event is expected to become an annual event aimed at deepening grassroots awareness of the dangers of drug abuse among secondary school students in Edo State. The NDLEA boss thanked partners who supported the event, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ministry of Education and Health.
Key points
- The Okpebholo-Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse was held in Edo state, Nigeria, to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among secondary school students.
- The event was organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, in collaboration with the Edo State Drug Control Committee.
- The winners of the marathon received full one-year academic scholarships and were decorated as War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors.
