Drug Free Delta: Awareness Campaign Reaches More Secondary School Students

… As NDLEA Emphasizes Dangers Of Hard Drugs, School Principals Commends Oborevwori’

Driven by His Excellency, Dr. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision for a drug-free Delta State, one of the focal points of his MORE agend, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau led by the Director-General, Dr. Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), continued their intensive outreach efforts on Day 5.

The “Drug Free Delta” campaign team visited Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College, Utagbe-Ogbe; Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro; St. Michael’s College, Oleh, and Emevor Mixed Secondary School, Emevor.

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Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Silas Osagie, engaged students in an interactive session, initiating the discussion with questions on the definition of drugs and their understanding of illicit substances. He emphasized that the NDLEA’s mandate extends far beyond arrest and prosecution, and that the agency is also deeply committed to counseling and rehabilitation of victims of hard drugs and drug abuse.

He encouraged students to refer anyone struggling with drug addiction to feel free to voluntarily come to the NDLEA’s office nearest them, assuring that the agency is always readily available to provide support services.

“While some of you may have seen our officers arresting drug dealers in your communities, know that we do much more than enforcement.

“We actively engage in counseling, education, and rehabilitation of individuals seeking to overcome addiction,” stated.

Mr Osagie took the students through government prohibited drugs. “We are here to discuss those specific drugs that the government deems harmful and illegal, not the generally accepted medications,” he clarified.

He asked for spots were these drugs are sold and pleaded with them to desist from patronising them due to the effects on the users. He gave them indicators on her to identify drug users through their dressing code strange behaviours and deviant lifestyle.

“We are here to help you, not to arrest you,” he assured the students. “The Governor believes in your potentials, and that is why we are here today. Remember, codeine is a banned substance in Nigeria, and no legitimate doctor or pharmacist will prescribe it for you. Youths are particularly prone to misusing it, so please abstain from it.”

Mr. Sani Jaafar Bebeji, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, provided a clear definition of drugs as chemical substances, either natural or synthetic with the capacity to alter the behavior or function of the human body.

He distinguished between acceptable drugs, such as paracetamol and cold remedies, and prohibited substances, including cannabis sativa (marijuana), Rohypnol, heroin, tramadol (when not prescribed), and codeine.

He also emphasized that even acceptable drugs, like tramadol, could be dangerous when abused without a doctor’s prescription. He further highlighted the strong link between drug abuse and criminal activities among youth.

Mr. Bebeji emphasized the many detrimental effects of drug abuse, ranging from liver damage and mental instability to arrest and imprisonment.

A highlight of the day occurred when a student spontaneously composed a song with the theme: “Say No to Drug Abuse and Yes to Life.” The performance ignited the hall, creating a memorable moment. The students enthusiastically joined in, chanting and dancing to the campaign’s message of rejecting drugs and embracing life.

Students raised important questions, such as the origin of harmful drugs in their society. The campaign team provided thoughtful responses, explaining the complex reasons behind drug production and misuse, while also underscoring the potential for abuse, even with legally prescribed medications.

Principals from each school lauded the initiative and pledged their continued support.

The Principal of Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College stated: “The initiative is one that is needed in our schools and that we will continue to encourage these students to stay away from these harmful drugs, we appreciate this awareness campaign”

Principal of Alaka grammar school Oleh says “we would build a strong WADA club and this initiative is an aid to eradicating drug abuse”.
St Michael’s College Oleh stated that he believes that the initiative will help bring sanity to the minds of the youths and we look forward to more sensitisation of this nature.

Mrs C. O. Ekpelegho, Principal of Emevor Mixed Secondary School said: “we know that most of these drugs are not healthy, some of which we are not even aware, and it is an eye opener for some of us here as we were enlightened, and now to also educate our wards in at home”

Looking ahead, the “Drug Free Delta” campaign team will continue their sensitization activities on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.