BOJI BOJI/Nigeria: Students across Delta State have been urged to avoid illicit drugs and substance abuse as traces of narcotics can remain detectable in the bloodstream for up to 90 days after exposure.
The Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta Command, Mr. Silas Osagie, made this known while addressing students of Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, Dein Palace Secondary School, Agbor, and Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku, in continuation of the statewide “Drug Free Delta” campaign. The initiative, a collaboration between the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau (SOCB) and the NDLEA, aims to combat the rising menace of drug abuse among youths.
Osagie emphasized the importance of academic focus, warning students to avoid bad company and report drug-related activities to their school authorities. He also encouraged active participation in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) clubs established in schools to promote anti-drug advocacy.
Highlighting the severity of the crisis, Osagie shared a disturbing case of a 15-year-old girl who lost her virginity after unknowingly consuming Rohypnol, a sedative often used to facilitate sexual exploitation. He cautioned against accepting unknown substances from friends or relatives, stressing that only medically prescribed drugs should be taken.
The Director-General of the SOCB, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to achieving a drug-free society as part of his MORE agenda for meaningful development and security. He warned that drug abuse could derail students’ future aspirations and urged them to embrace a life free of substance addiction.
“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,” Oghenesivbe stated.
The campaign took a dramatic turn when a student confessed to selling drugs under the influence of her stepmother and a friend, underscoring the initiative’s impact. The revelation paved the way for intervention and support, reinforcing the campaign’s significance.
Principals of the participating schools, including Mr. Festus Ngozi Nweke of Owa Model Secondary School, Mr. Peter Obuseh of Dein Palace Secondary School, and Mr. Enemuwe Azubuike of Obiaruku Grammar School, commended the Delta State Government for prioritizing youth well-being. They pledged to intensify awareness efforts and strengthen their WADA clubs to sustain the campaign’s momentum.
The “Drug Free Delta” campaign is set to continue its sensitization activities on Monday, February 10, 2025, as the state government and NDLEA remain resolute in their fight against drug abuse.
