By Omonigho Okotie
The Drug-Free Delta Campaign has been reaffirmed as a crucial movement for change, with a call for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in education, prevention, and rehabilitation to combat the growing threat of drug abuse in Delta State.
This call was made by the Director-General of the Delta Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, during a live weekly radio program, “Orientation Panorama,” at Delta Broadcasting Service on Wednesday, February 25, 2025.
Represented by the Director of Orientation, Mrs. Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh, Dr. Oghenesivbe stressed the importance of sensitizing Deltans, particularly secondary school students, on the dangers of drug abuse.
He noted that during the first phase of the campaign, 34 secondary schools across the three senatorial districts were visited, providing students with critical knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.
The DG highlighted the welcoming reception the team received at various schools, emphasizing the interactive, informative, and eye-opening nature of the initiative.
“Initially, some students were skeptical about the discussion, but as we engaged with them, their willingness to participate became evident,” he stated.
Through real-life stories and open discussions, students gained deeper insights into the dangers of drug abuse.
Shockingly, many students already had knowledge of certain illicit substances, reinforcing the urgency of sustained sensitization efforts.
Dr. Oghenesivbe debunked the myth that hard drugs enhance performance, warning of their devastating effects, including kidney failure, liver damage, mental illness, crime, and imprisonment. He urged parents, teachers, religious institutions, and traditional leaders to play an active role in educating and protecting young people from drug-related dangers.
Sharing a real-life account, he narrated the tragic case of a young Nigerian graduate who lost a scholarship to study in Canada because he tested positive for drugs.
Unbeknownst to him, a cake he had eaten at a friend’s birthday party had been laced with hard drugs, leading to his visa denial.
This, he warned, aligns with NDLEA’s findings that hard drugs stay in the bloodstream for 30 to 90 days.
He hinted at a possible Drug Integrity Test for students entering higher institutions in Delta State, a move that could expose drug use and necessitate rehabilitation efforts.
In another disturbing revelation, he recounted how NDLEA officers rescued a group of young girls from being raped after consuming drug-laced food and drinks at a party.
He urged students to choose their friends wisely to avoid becoming victims of drug-related crimes.
Beyond discouraging drug abuse, the campaign also championed personal development, encouraging students to set ambitious goals, pursue their dreams, engage in positive, drug-free activities, seek guidance from trusted mentors and join the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club for peer support
Dr. Oghenesivbe commended the Delta State Government, the NDLEA, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for their support in the fight against drug abuse.
He urged Deltans to actively report drug-related cases to NDLEA through its toll-free helpline: 080010203040.
“This campaign is not just about saying no to drugs; it’s about creating a future where our youth can thrive without the influence of illicit substances,” he concluded.
