The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau have taken their sensitization drive to schools in Asaba and its environs to educate students on the dangers of illicit drug use. The campaign team, led by the Director-General of the Bureau, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, visited Comprehensive College, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam High School, and West End Mixed Secondary School in Asaba. The students participated in interactive sessions on drug abuse, its consequences, and the need to make healthy choices.
Addressing the students, Dr. Oghenesivbe stated that the initiative was part of the commitment of the administration of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to protecting young people from influences capable of undermining their education, health, and future aspirations. He urged the students to resist every temptation to experiment with illicit drugs. The Governor's representative emphasized that the campaign aimed to let the students know how the use of illicit drugs can destroy their dreams for tomorrow.
Dr. Oghenesivbe challenged the students to aspire to leadership and professional careers, urging them to protect their future by making responsible choices. He cited prominent Nigerians, including the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as examples of what young people could achieve through discipline, focus, and commitment to education. The Director-General stressed that substance abuse could derail such aspirations.
A major highlight of the campaign was an interactive drama session in which selected students dramatized the effects of drug abuse on individuals and society. The performances provided an engaging way of reinforcing the anti-drug message, while participants were rewarded with cash gifts by Dr. Oghenesivbe. The interactive approach helped make the message more practical and memorable for the students.
The Deputy State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Silas Omobhude, also educated the students on drug abuse, identifying various illicit substances and explaining their harmful effects. He urged them to remain vigilant in social settings, particularly at parties and other gatherings. Omobhude cautioned the students against accepting food items, drinks, or other substances from unknown sources.
The principals and school authorities commended the Delta State Government for taking the campaign directly to schools, describing the initiative as timely and valuable. They said the involvement of the Bureau and NDLEA gave students access to first-hand information from professionals. The school authorities appreciated the interactive approach, which helped make the message more practical and memorable.
To reinforce the campaign, Dr. Oghenesivbe and Mr. Omobhude led the students in an anti-drug chant: “Say no to drugs, yes to healthy life, yes to education, yes to making Mama proud.” The enthusiastic response from the students brought the sensitization sessions to a close, underscoring the campaign’s call for young people to reject illicit drugs and protect their education, health, and future.
Key points
- The NDLEA and Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau have launched a campaign to educate students on the dangers of illicit drug use.
- The campaign aims to protect young people from influences capable of undermining their education, health, and future aspirations.
- The students participated in interactive sessions on drug abuse, its consequences, and the need to make healthy choices.
