….. Oghenesivbe delivers Oborevwori’s message as agency demonstrates drug-testing kits
The Delta State Government, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intensified efforts to combat substance abuse among students, taking its Drug-Free Delta Campaign to the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor.
The Wednesday sensitisation programme focused on educating students about the dangers of illicit drug consumption, the influence of negative peer pressure and the long-term consequences of substance abuse on education, health and career development.
The campaign forms part of the preventive approach adopted by the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address drug abuse through public enlightenment, institutional collaboration and community participation.
The Director-General of the State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, who addressed the students, said the Governor was determined to protect Delta youths from practices that could destroy their future.
He explained that substance abuse remained a major threat to the aspirations of young people, particularly students whose academic and professional ambitions could be compromised by drug dependency.
Oghenesivbe said the administration had therefore brought NDLEA experts to the university to provide professional guidance and practical knowledge on drug prevention.
He emphasised that the campaign was designed to complement law enforcement with education and awareness, enabling young people to understand the dangers of illicit substances before falling victim to addiction.
In his presentation, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Mr Ojobo Augustine, explained the different categories of drugs and distinguished between substances used for legitimate medical purposes and illicit drugs whose misuse could cause serious health complications.
He identified impaired brain function, poor judgement, hallucinations, addiction and declining academic performance among the dangers associated with substance abuse.
The NDLEA official also raised concerns about the possibility of illicit substances being concealed in cakes, drinks and other refreshments served during social activities.
He advised students to remain vigilant about what they consume and avoid accepting suspicious food and beverages.
Ojobo further urged them to resist negative peer pressure and avoid individuals who might introduce them to illicit substances under the pretence of friendship or social enjoyment.
A major highlight of the sensitisation was the demonstration of drug-testing kits, which the NDLEA official said could detect different categories of drugs through urine samples within minutes.
He commended the Delta State Government for providing the kits, noting that preventive screening and public awareness were important components of the fight against substance abuse.
He also drew attention to the implications of drug abuse for employment opportunities, explaining that several organisations now incorporate drug screening into their recruitment procedures.
Students nearing graduation were consequently advised to protect their academic qualifications and future careers by avoiding illicit substances.
The NDLEA representative encouraged students to report drug-related activities, seek professional help where necessary and assist friends experiencing substance dependency in accessing appropriate support.
The engagement featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students discussed drug prevention, suspicious substances and the physical and psychological effects of substance abuse.
Participants were also urged to become advocates of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign by sharing the knowledge acquired with their colleagues, families and communities.
The event concluded with an anti-drug chant and the announcement of the NDLEA toll-free reporting line, 080010203040, for reporting suspicious activities connected with illicit drug use, sales and transportation.
The state government said its collaboration with the NDLEA, educational institutions and community stakeholders would remain central to its efforts to protect young people and promote a healthier, safer Delta State.