BURUTU/Nigeria: The “Drug Free Delta” campaign, spearheaded by Director-General Dr. Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), continued its awareness drive on Day 7 with visits to Mein Secondary School, Kiagbodo (Burutu L.G.A.), Aven Secondary School, Aven (Patani L.G.A.), and Government Model Secondary School, Patani (Patani L.G.A.).
Dr. Oghenesivbe, addressing the students, stressed the importance of education and staying focused. “When you have a goal, be determined to achieve it,” he advised. Citing personal experience, he noted that his multiple degrees, including a law degree and several master’s degrees, were made possible by avoiding drug abuse. He shared an inspiring story of a former classmate who, despite humble beginnings, became an executive at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, underscoring the importance of academic dedication and choosing the right friends.
Reinforcing the Governor’s commitment to youth welfare, Dr. Oghenesivbe relayed a direct message from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging students to resist drug abuse. “This message comes from His Excellency through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau (SOCB) and the NDLEA. He wants each of you to understand the dangers of drug use,” he stated, rewarding students with cash gifts for insightful responses. Students also performed skits dramatizing the effects of drug abuse, particularly substances like “colos” and cannabis sativa, providing both education and entertainment.
Mr. Silas Omobhude, Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, led an interactive session, evaluating students’ knowledge of various drugs and highlighting the dangers of even legally available substances when misused. “There are four stages of drug abuse—experimentation, occasional use, regular use, and addiction. At the addiction stage, people feel they cannot function without drugs, often requiring counseling and rehabilitation,” he warned. He cautioned against casual drug use at social gatherings, emphasizing that dependency often starts with seemingly harmless experimentation.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Sani Jaafar Bebeji, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, underscored the severe health risks associated with drug abuse. “Hard drugs damage your brain and central nervous system. Have you ever seen someone give their brain to another? Would you want to give yours to a friend who destroyed theirs? Many cases of so-called insanity are actually drug-induced,” he explained.
Mr. Bebeji further warned students against indirect exposure, stating, “Even if you’re not a user, simply being around those who take drugs can be risky. Urine tests can detect 11 illicit drugs in just three minutes. While testing technology exists, the best choice is to avoid drug abuse entirely.” He recounted a cautionary tale of a scholarship applicant who unknowingly consumed drug-laced cake at a party and later tested positive for multiple substances.
Dispelling a common myth, Mr. Omobhude reinforced, “You do not need drugs to gain strength. Your natural abilities are enough for both academic and physical activities.”
Principals of Mein Secondary School, Kiagbodo; Aven Secondary School, Aven; and Government Model Secondary School, Patani, praised the campaign, expressing gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for prioritizing the fight against drug abuse. They commended the “Drug Free Delta” initiative as a critical part of the state’s broader reforms aimed at securing a healthier future for Delta’s youth.
The sensitization team will continue its outreach on February 13, 2025, expanding efforts to instill a drug-free culture among students across Delta State.
