ASABA/Nigeria: In a decisive move to confront the rising scourge of substance abuse and its attendant social ills, the Delta State government has rolled out a multi-pronged initiative under the banner of a “Drug-Free Delta.”
Speaking on Arise News at the weekend, the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is determined to tackle the menace head-on.
“The governor has been working tirelessly to ensure Delta State is free from the illicit drug trade through collaborative efforts with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies,” Oghenesivbe stated.
He disclosed that the second phase of the Drug-Free Delta sensitization campaigns will soon commence, targeting 58 secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Beyond sensitization, the government is also investing in rehabilitation infrastructure. According to Dr. Oghenesivbe, new counseling and rehabilitation centers in Kwale and Agbor are nearing completion. “The Kwale and Agbor rehabilitation and counseling centers will soon be operational. Plans are in top gear for the completion of the two centers for both male and female victims of substance abuse,” he noted.
In a bold policy shift, the state government is considering mandatory drug testing for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions. The measure, he said, is designed to deter young people from indulging in drugs and to encourage healthy lifestyles.
Dr. Oghenesivbe further underscored the role of parents in the fight against substance abuse, urging them to monitor their children’s peer groups and avoid excessive indulgence. He also called on regulatory agencies to scrutinize music and entertainment content, ensuring they do not glorify drug use or related vices.
The campaign has already secured grassroots support, with some traditional rulers inaugurating sensitization committees in their domains. The government is urging other royal fathers, local government chairmen, and faith-based organisations to replicate the effort and strengthen community-based advocacy.
“Our ultimate goal is zero tolerance for substance abuse in Delta State. We are committed to rehabilitating and reintegrating victims into society, equipping them with the skills and support needed to live meaningful lives,” Oghenesivbe affirmed.
With these sweeping initiatives, the Delta State government hopes to set a benchmark for other states in the nationwide fight against drug abuse.
