OLEH/Nigeria: Driven by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to a drug-free Delta State under his MORE agenda, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, led by its Director-General, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), continued its statewide sensitization program on Day 5 of the “Drug Free Delta” campaign.
The campaign team visited Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College, Utagbe-Ogbe; Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro; St. Michael’s College, Oleh; and Emevor Mixed Secondary School, Emevor, engaging students in an interactive session on the dangers of drug abuse.
Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Silas Osagie, initiated the discussion by testing the students’ understanding of drugs and illicit substances. He emphasized that the NDLEA’s role extends beyond arrests and prosecutions to include counseling and rehabilitation for victims of drug abuse. He encouraged students to report anyone struggling with addiction, assuring them of the agency’s readiness 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,” Osagie stated.
He explained the government’s prohibition of specific drugs deemed harmful and illegal, urging students to avoid locations where these substances are sold. He also educated them on how to identify drug users through behavioral and physical indicators such as dressing patterns and unusual habits.
“We are here to help you, not to arrest you,” Osagie assured. “The Governor believes in your potential, 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.”
Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, Mr. Sani Jaafar Bebeji, provided a clear distinction between acceptable and prohibited drugs. He explained that while medications like paracetamol and cold remedies serve legitimate purposes, substances such as cannabis sativa (marijuana), Rohypnol, heroin, tramadol (when abused), and codeine are highly dangerous.
He warned that even medically approved drugs, like tramadol, could become hazardous when consumed without a prescription. He further highlighted the strong link between drug abuse and rising crime rates among youths, stressing the severe consequences, including liver damage, mental instability, and imprisonment.
A highlight of the campaign was a spontaneous musical performance by a student, who composed a song with the theme: “Say No to Drug Abuse and Yes to Life.” The lively rendition energized the hall, with students enthusiastically singing and dancing along to the anti-drug message.
During the session, students raised critical questions about the origins of harmful drugs in their communities. The campaign team provided insightful responses, addressing the factors fueling drug production and misuse, while also highlighting the risks associated with even legally prescribed medications.
Principals of the participating schools commended the initiative and pledged their support for sustained awareness. The Principal of Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College described the campaign as “a vital program needed in schools” and vowed to encourage students to stay away from harmful substances.
At Alaka Grammar School, Oleh, the principal promised to strengthen the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) club as part of efforts to combat drug abuse among students. St. Michael’s College, Oleh, expressed confidence that the initiative would help instill discipline in youths, while Mrs. C. O. Ekpelegho, Principal of Emevor Mixed Secondary School, acknowledged the campaign as an “eye-opener” that would enable educators to further guide their students at home and in school.
The “Drug Free Delta” campaign is set to continue its sensitization efforts on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with more schools expected to benefit from the advocacy against drug abuse.
