Students Back NDLEA Test Kits in Delta Schools
As the “Drug Free Delta” campaign gains momentum, many students are supporting the use of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) drug test kits as an admission criterion and for periodic checks.
The Delta State Government launched a state-wide campaign to tackle drug abuse in secondary and higher schools, with the theme “No Drugs, Healthy Living For A Greater Future”.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is considering introducing drug-testing kits as a prerequisite for students seeking admission into higher institutions in the state.
This initiative aims to address the rising wave of drug abuse among young people by educating, sensitizing, and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
The campaign is a collaboration between the state government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other stakeholders.
Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Silas Omobhude Osagie, and State Bureau for Orientation and Communications team while engaging students in interactive sessions, noted that majority of the students are in full support of use of NDLEA drug test kits as a result oriented measure to drastically reduce the rising wave of drug addiction and high rate of deviant behaviour among secondary students in Nigeria.
At the Flag-Off ceremony of the campaign in Government House on Monday 3rd February, the NDLEA State Commander, Abubakar Wada Esq, and other stakeholders present recommended the use of drug test kits to ascertain the status of candidates seeking admission into Secondary Schools and Institutions of higher learning in in Delta state, and in all states of the federation.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme who represented governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the ceremony, also endorsed the drug test option, and promised to bring the issue before the governor as a means of drastically reducing illicit drug uses and drug abuse among youth in the state.
In the same vein, Day 1 to 6 of the state wide campaign by Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau to selected Secondary Schools recorded more and more students endorsements for the use of NDLEA test kits.
Majority of the students at Afiesere Secondary School Ughelli, Agbon Secondary School Isiokolo, Government Model Secondary School Oginibo, and Okwagbe Secondary School, Okwagbe on Tuesday, also made a strong case for the use of drug test kits to periodically ascertain students drug status.
“We are here today to tell you that you should stay away from illicit drugs, and to advise you to choose your friends wisely and take your academic work seriously.
“This is the message His Excellency, Dr. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau (SOCB) asked us to communicate to you,” Mr. Omobhude stated.
Addressing a common misconception, Mr. Omobhude emphasized, “You don’t need to add any of these drugs to your diet for strength, as some of you say. The strength you have is well enough for your academic work and any other physical activity you need to embark on.”
Sir Chris Ahweyevu, Principal of Afiesere Secondary School, was elated, noting that the NDLEA had previously visited their school, highlighting the importance of this continued awareness campaign against use of Illicit Drugs and drug Abuse among youth in the state and in Nigeria.
Mrs. Okaro Edith, Principal of Agbon Secondary School Isiokolo, expressed her appreciation to the State Government and the sensitization team. She stated that the establishment of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA Club) in the school would continually remind students of the core message of His Excellency, the governor of Delta State towards having a drug-free state.
Mrs. Oteri Patricia, Principal of Okwagbe Secondary School, Okwagbe and the principal of Government Model Secondary School Oginibo equally expressed their appreciations.
