…As Oghenesivbe, NDLEA Warn Students Against Illicit Drugs
By Omonigho Okotie
The second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign has commenced, with the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), taking its sensitisation drive to schools in Asaba and its environs to educate students on the dangers of illicit drug use.
Led by the Director-General of the Bureau, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, Esq., the campaign team visited Comprehensive College, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam High School and West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, where students participated in interactive sessions on drug abuse, its consequences and the need to make healthy choices.
Addressing the students, Oghenesivbe said the initiative was part of the commitment of the administration of Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to protecting young people from influences capable of undermining their education, health and future aspirations. He urged the students to resist every temptation to experiment with illicit drugs.
“Our Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, sent us here today because he wants the best for you. We are here with the Directors of the Bureau, officials of the NDLEA and staff of the Ministry of Information to let you know how the use of illicit drugs can destroy the dreams you have for tomorrow,” he said.
Oghenesivbe challenged the students to aspire to leadership and professional careers, urging them to protect their future by making responsible choices. “Among you here today, I want to see future Governors, members of the House of Assembly, lawyers, doctors, engineers and other professionals. Your future is before you, and you must protect it by making the right choices today,” he said.
He cited prominent Nigerians, including the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as examples of what young people could achieve through discipline, focus and commitment to education, stressing that substance abuse could derail such aspirations.
A major highlight of the campaign was an interactive drama session in which selected students dramatized the effects of drug abuse on individuals and society. The performances provided an engaging way of reinforcing the anti-drug message, while participants were rewarded with cash gifts by Oghenesivbe.
Also speaking, the Deputy State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Silas Omobhude, educated the students on drug abuse, identifying various illicit substances and explaining their harmful effects. He urged them to remain vigilant in social settings, particularly at parties and other gatherings.
Omobhude cautioned the students against accepting food items, drinks or other substances from unknown sources, noting that illicit drugs could be concealed or administered through products such as cakes and other refreshments. He identified substances commonly known as “Kolos” and “Ice”, as well as cocaine and cannabis, among others.
“Your Governor wants the best for you, and your families want the best for you too. You must therefore protect yourselves by staying away from illicit drugs and the dangers associated with them,” Omobhude advised, warning that abuse of some synthetic substances could negatively affect the brain and behaviour.
The principals and school authorities commended the Delta State Government for taking the campaign directly to schools, describing the initiative as timely and valuable. They said the involvement of the Bureau and NDLEA gave students access to first-hand information from professionals, while the interactive approach helped make the message more practical and memorable.
To reinforce the campaign, Oghenesivbe and Omobhude led the students in an anti-drug chant: “Say no to drugs, yes to healthy life, yes to education, yes to making Mama proud.” The enthusiastic response from the students brought the sensitisation sessions to a close, underscoring the campaign’s call for young people to reject illicit drugs and protect their education, health and future.
Delta Bureau for Orientation and Communications Media Team