ASABA/Nigeria: In a strategic effort to combat drug abuse and the use of hard drugs in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the launch of the Drug Free Delta (DFD) sensitization campaigns across the state’s three senatorial districts: Delta Central, Delta North, and Delta South. This initiative is part of the state government’s renewed commitment to curbing drug abuse, particularly among the youth.
Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, made this announcement during a public affairs radio program. He disclosed that the Bureau, following the governor’s directive, will collaborate with the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to execute a comprehensive campaign aimed at dissuading young people and other vulnerable groups from engaging in drug use.
The NDLEA has confirmed its readiness to deploy personnel to work with the Bureau in planning and executing these sensitization campaigns. These efforts will focus on educating the public about the harmful effects of illicit drugs while providing free counseling and rehabilitation services to drug users.
Dr. Oghenesivbe emphasized that the campaign will particularly target youths in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning, aiming to steer them away from drug use through education and awareness.
As part of the initiative, inter-school debates will be organized to discuss the negative effects of hard drugs, with winners receiving prizes and certificates signed by officials from both the NDLEA and the State Orientation and Communications Bureau. He noted that Governor Oborevwori has also approved these debates as a means to promote moral values, attitudinal change, and patriotism among the youth.
The governor’s commitment to youth empowerment and productive engagement is evident in his administration’s efforts to include young people in governance. Over 80% of local government council chairmen and vice-chairmen in Delta State are youths, with a significant number of women in leadership positions.
This youth-focused approach, Dr. Oghenesivbe highlighted, is part of the governor’s broader strategy to secure a bright future for the state’s young population.
The Bureau Chief assured that no effort will be spared in making Delta State a drug-free environment, or at least in drastically reducing drug abuse to its barest minimum. He mentioned that the State Commandant of NDLEA, Abubakar Wada Esq., is actively working to target and raid areas known for drug activities, particularly in the state capital and across the three senatorial districts.
Dr. Oghenesivbe concluded by reaffirming the state government’s dedication to the well-being of its youth, noting that the sensitization campaign will be supported by extensive media coverage to ensure widespread awareness. The campaign will also include vocational training programs for rehabilitated drug users, helping them transition into productive and respected members of society.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration, he said, remains steadfast in its commitment to boosting the destinies and financial fortunes of Delta’s youth through multifaceted job and wealth creation programs.
