Driven by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision for a drug-free Delta State, one of the focal points of his MORE agenda, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, led by the Director-General, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), continued their intensive outreach efforts on Day 5.
The Drug-Free Delta campaign team visited Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College, Utagbe-Ogbe; Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro; St Michael’s College, Oleh; and Emevor Mixed Secondary School, Emevor.
Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Silas Osagie, engaged students in an interactive session, initiating the discussion with questions on the definition of drugs and their understanding of illicit substances.
He emphasised that the NDLEA’s mandate extends far beyond arrest and prosecution, highlighting the agency’s commitment to counselling and rehabilitating victims of hard drugs and substance abuse.
He encouraged students to refer anyone struggling with drug addiction to the NDLEA’s nearest office, assuring them that the agency is always readily available 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 counselling, education, and rehabilitation of individuals seeking to overcome addiction,” he stated.
Mr Osagie took the students through a list of government-prohibited drugs. “We are here to discuss those specific drugs that the government deems harmful and illegal, not the generally accepted medications,” he clarified.
He asked students to identify locations where these drugs are sold and urged them to desist from patronising such places due to the harmful effects on users.
He also provided indicators on how to recognise drug users through their dress codes, unusual behaviours, and deviant lifestyles.
“We are here to help you, not to arrest you,” he assured the students. “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.”
Mr Sani Jaafar Bebeji, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, provided a clear definition of drugs as chemical substances, either natural or synthetic, with the capacity to alter the behaviour or function of the human body.
He distinguished between acceptable drugs, such as paracetamol and cold remedies, and prohibited substances, including Cannabis sativa (marijuana), Rohypnol, heroin, tramadol (when not prescribed), and codeine.
He also emphasised that even acceptable drugs, like tramadol, could be dangerous when abused without a doctor’s prescription. He further highlighted the strong link between drug abuse and criminal activities among youth.
Mr Bebeji outlined the many detrimental effects of drug abuse, ranging from liver damage and mental instability to arrest and imprisonment.
A highlight of the day occurred when a student spontaneously composed a song with the theme “Say No to Drug Abuse and Yes to Life.” The performance ignited the hall, creating a memorable moment.
The students enthusiastically joined in, chanting and dancing to the campaign’s message of rejecting drugs and embracing life.
Students raised important questions, such as the origin of harmful drugs in their society. The campaign team provided thoughtful responses, explaining the complex reasons behind drug production and misuse, while also underscoring the potential for abuse, even with legally prescribed medications.
Principals from each school lauded the initiative and pledged their continued support.
The Principal of Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College stated: “This initiative is much needed in our schools, and we will continue to encourage these students to stay away from harmful drugs. We appreciate this awareness campaign.”
The Principal of Alaka Grammar School, Oleh, said: “We will build a strong WADA club, and this initiative is a great aid to eradicating drug abuse.”
The Principal of St Michael’s College, Oleh, remarked that he believes the initiative will help bring sanity to the minds of young people and looks forward to more sensitisation efforts of this nature.
Mrs C. O. Ekpelegho, Principal of Emevor Mixed Secondary School, said: “We know that most of these drugs are harmful, but some we were not even aware of. This has been an eye-opener for us, and we are now better equipped to educate our wards at home.”
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