By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
More than N2 billion worth of banned substances have been seized in Delta State within the past year as government and security agencies intensify efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The disclosure was made by the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Olorogun Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., ahead of the commencement of Phase Two of the state’s Drug-Free Delta Campaign.
The second phase of the campaign is scheduled to commence on September 21, 2026, targeting selected secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.
The campaign is being implemented by the Bureau in collaboration with the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Oghenesivbe said the Bureau and NDLEA would hold a joint press conference on September 15 at the Bureau’s Conference Hall in Asaba.
The event will be used to unveil special T-shirts, face caps and other advocacy materials for the campaign.
According to the Director-General, the campaign will concentrate on educating young people about the health, social, economic and security consequences of substance abuse.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remained committed to a Drug-Free Delta where young people could develop their talents and contribute to sustainable development.
Oghenesivbe warned that the drug problem could have serious implications for the state’s human capital.
He said substance abuse could contribute to school dropout, affect employability, place additional pressure on families and healthcare services and expose communities to crime and insecurity.
He also expressed concern about reports of increasing involvement of young women in illicit drug trafficking and hawking.
The DG called for stronger collaboration with the You Matter Charity Foundation, NGOs and other stakeholders to prevent vulnerable young people from being recruited into the illicit drug economy.
He stressed that the fight against drugs must go beyond arrests and seizures.
According to him, enforcement should be complemented by prevention, public enlightenment, counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He urged parents, teachers, religious organisations, community leaders and young people to support the campaign.
https://punchng.com/none-of-tinubus-challengers-can-improve-nigeria-including-obi-datti
Oghenesivbe said a sustained multi-sectoral response would be required to reduce substance abuse and protect Delta’s youth population.
He maintained that protecting young people from the consequences of drug abuse was essential to preserving the state’s productive capacity and securing its economic future.