Drug Free Delta: Traces Of Hard Drugs Detectable In Bloodstream 90 Days After Exposure — NDLEA

…As Day 4 Campaign Train Anchor at Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, Dein Palace Secondary School, Agbor, And Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku

A passionate appeal has been made to students in Delta State, and by extension Nigeria, to stay away completely from use of Illicit Drugs and Drug abuse, as traces of drugs can be detected in human bloodstream within ninety days after exposure.

Assistant State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Delta Command, Mr Silas Osagie, made the disclosure on Thursday while addressing students of Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, Dein Palace Secondary School, Agbor and Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku in Delta North Senatorial District in continuation of the state wide “Drug Free Delta” campaign, an initiative of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau in collaboration with NDLEA

ALSO READ: Anambra State Government Mourns Justice Azuka, Commends Joint Security Forces Under Operation Udo Ga-achi For Arresting Culprits

He emphasized the need for students to focus on their studies, avoid bad company and report all illicit drug and drug abuse cases to their school head or Principal, and encouraged the students to participate actively in WADA CLUB activities, War Against Drug Abuse, established in their schools.

Osagie told the students that due to alarming national statistics on youth drug abuse in Nigeria, the Delta State Government through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau (SOCB), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), decided to bring the “Drug Free Delta” awareness campaign to them.

Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, SOCB, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, reiterated Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to achieving a “Drug Free Delta” as a cornerstone of his agenda for meaningful development and enhanced security encapsulated in his MORE Agenda under full scale implementation across the state.

He stressed that remaining drug-free was crucial for the students to fully benefit from the good governance strides of governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the state, warning that drug abuse could and use of Illicit drugs could prematurely kill their lofty dreams and aspirations.

“His Excellency, Governor Dr. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, deeply cares for your well-being. He has entrusted the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, to deliver this message of hope and empowerment: choose a drug-free path and unlock your full potential.”

The NDLEA Officer, Mr Silas Osagie collaborated the good intensions of the state government in the ongoing “Drug Free Delta Campaign” by engaging the students in a discussion about the differences between licit and illicit drugs, shared a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of accepting unknown substances from friends and relatives.

“A fifteen-year-old girl lost her virginity after unknowingly consuming Rohypnol. The drug clouded her judgment, rendering her vulnerable to exploitation.”

Me Osagie further elaborated on the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, explaining that traces of drugs can remain detectable in an individual’s bloodstream for up to 90 days after exposure.

“This is why abstaining from drugs, except those prescribed by a medical professional, is essential,” he stressed.

A moving moment occurred when a student voluntarily disclosed her involvement in selling drugs, revealing the influence of her stepmother and a friend. This courageous act underscored the campaign’s impact, prompting a path for intervention and support.

Mr. Festus Ngozi Nweke, the Principal of Owa Model Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to the State Government and Governor Oborevwori for prioritizing the well-being of Delta’s youth.

He pledged to reinforce the “Drug Free Delta” message and strengthen the school’s “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) club, empowering students to become proactive advocates for a drug-free society.

The Principals of Dein Palace Secondary School and Obiaruku Grammar School, Messrs. Peter Obuseh and Enemuwe Azubuike, respectively, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a drug-free learning environment.

Looking ahead, the “Drug Free Delta” campaign team will continue their sensitization activities on Monday, February 10, 2025.