By Eunice Emeyazia
The Delta State Government has taken its anti-drug campaign to secondary schools, urging students to reject illicit substances and protect their education, health and future.
The sensitisation, organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), formed part of the second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign.
The campaign team, led by the Bureau’s Director-General, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, visited Comprehensive College, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam High School and West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.
At the schools, students participated in interactive sessions focusing on the risks associated with substance abuse, peer pressure and making responsible choices.
Oghenesivbe urged the students not to allow experimentation or peer influence to derail their aspirations, reminding them that their present choices could affect their educational and professional prospects.
He encouraged the students to aspire to positions of responsibility and professional careers, citing accomplished Nigerians as examples of what could be achieved through discipline and commitment to education.
The programme also featured an anti-drug drama performed by students, depicting the consequences of substance abuse on individuals, families and society. Some of the participants received cash rewards for their performances.
The NDLEA Deputy State Commander, Mr Silas Omobhude, used the sessions to educate the students on commonly abused substances and the dangers associated with them.
He particularly warned them to be cautious about accepting food, drinks or other substances from unknown persons at social gatherings, noting that illicit substances could sometimes be introduced into refreshments.
Omobhude also advised students to remain alert to peer pressure and avoid environments that could expose them to drug use.
The school authorities commended the state government and NDLEA for taking the campaign directly to students, saying the interactive approach gave young people an opportunity to receive information from professionals and ask questions about issues affecting them.
The exercise ended with students joining the campaign team in an anti-drug chant promoting healthy living and education.
The second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign, which commenced on September 21, is targeting selected secondary and tertiary institutions across Delta’s three senatorial districts. The state government says the campaign is intended to complement enforcement with prevention, public enlightenment and early intervention.
