BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
Parents and guardians have been enjoined to monitor strange behavioural changes among their children to prevent drug abuse and cultism.
The Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Emmanuel Audu – Ohwavborua who gave the advice in Port Harcourt during campaign against drug abuse, cultism and other social vices organized by Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in conjunction with Victoria Archibong Educational Foundation said NDDC put up the programme to prevent the prevalent drug abuse among youths.
The campaign against drug abuse, cultism and other social vices being third in the series having been held in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states would not have come at a better time, considering the rate of drug abuse in society.
Speaking during the event, the Acting Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Emmanuel Audu -Ohwavborua said NDDC became concerned about the number of youths involved in drugs and cultism hence the need to carry the campaign to secondary schools.
The Acting Managing Director who was represented by the Director Human Resources, Dr. Alazigha Woyengibaragha emphasized the importance of teaching students the dangers of drug abuse and its consequences.
He called on parents to monitor strange behavior being exhibited by their wards and seek help early.
Similarly, Director Rivers State Office NDDC, Mr Orere Imoko who attributed increase in violent crimes in the country to drug abuse, encouraged the students to imbibe the fear of God,
In the same vein, the Director Youths and Sports NDDC, Mr Ephraim Offiong told participants that the need to carry the campaign against drug abuse was because it is difficult to stop addictions formed at youthful age.
The Director insisted that there is strong connection between drug abuse and cultism and advised students not to venture into drugs.
On her part, Assistant State Commandant, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA Mrs. Stella Marris, Amede who identified drugs easily abused to include cannabis, wit, Indian hemp and cocaine revealed that many indulge in drugs by family background and associations.
While appreciating NDDC for the opportunity, two of the students, Deborah Rowland and Kingsley Ime promised to apply the knowledge appropriately.
High point of the event was handing over of digitalized learning aid and bags to the students.
