Delta State Begins Statewide Campaign Against Drug Abuse
The Delta State Government on Monday launched a comprehensive statewide campaign to combat drug abuse and illicit substance use in secondary and higher educational institutions across the state.
The campaign, conducted by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has the theme “No Drugs, Healthy Living For A Greater Future”.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed that the state government was considering the introduction of drug testing kits as a prerequisite for students seeking admission into higher institutions of learning.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, referencing a study published in the African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, pointed out that illicit drug use has been linked to deviant behaviors such as truancy and stealing among young people in the state.
He stressed that the government was working closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to implement a statewide awareness campaign to combat drug abuse aggressively.
“Starting from secondary schools across the state, the Drug-Free Delta campaign will also extend to institutions of higher learning.
“As the NDLEA Commander suggested, we will consider the proposal to use drug testing kits as a prerequisite for students’ admissions into higher institutions. Let me also add that we are going to include the primary schools,” Onojaeme stated.
He revealed that the state government was diligently working to expedite the completion of the rehabilitation center at Kwale Central Hospital, which would serve as a counselling, rehabilitation and skill acquisition facility for affected individuals.
He urged all stakeholders, including teachers, parents and community leaders, to collaborate with the government in combating drug abuse, thereby ensuring a safer and healthier society.
Earlier, Dr. Oghenesivbe Latimore, Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, explained that the campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among young people, particularly those in secondary and higher schools.
“The rising wave of drug abuse among young people is alarming. This campaign is a proactive approach to addressing the menace by educating, sensitizing and empowering youths with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” Oghenesivbe noted.
He pointed out that the initial phase of the campaign would center on secondary schools, with subsequent phases directed at higher institutions of learning.
Similarly, the State NDLEA Commander, Barr. Abubakar Wada, outlined the command’s efforts at combating drug abuse in the state, including reducing supply and demand, conducting operations on cannabis farms, and destroying illicit drugs.
He explained that the proposal for drug testing kits in tertiary institutions aimed to identify and provide necessary guidance and rehabilitation for affected victims.
Various stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, represented by the Majority Leader and Member representing Aniocha North, Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, delivered goodwill messages, urging students to abstain from drug abuse to safeguard their future.
