… As NDLEA Emphasizes dangers of hard drugs, School Principals Commends Oborevwori’
Committed to realizing His Excellency, Dr. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision of a drug-free Delta State, an integral part of his MORE agenda, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, under the leadership of Director-General Dr. Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, strengthened its outreach efforts on Day 5 in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Drug-Free Delta campaign team visited Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College, Utagbe-Ogbe; Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro; St. Michael’s College, Oleh; and Emevor Mixed Secondary School, Emevor.
During an interactive session, NDLEA Assistant State Commander Mr. Silas Osagie engaged students with thought-provoking questions on the definition of drugs and their understanding of illicit substances.
He highlighted that the NDLEAās role goes beyond arrests and prosecution, as the agency is equally committed to counseling and rehabilitating individuals affected by drug abuse.
He urged students to encourage anyone struggling with drug addiction to seek help voluntarily at the nearest NDLEA office, assuring them that the agency is always available to provide support and rehabilitation services.
“While some of you may have seen our officers arresting drug dealers in your communities, know that we do much more than enforcement.
“We actively engage in counseling, education, and rehabilitation of individuals seeking to overcome addiction,” stated.
Mr Osagie took the students through government prohibited drugs. “We are here to discuss those specific drugs that the government deems harmful and illegal, not the generally accepted medications,” he clarified.
He asked for spots were these drugs are sold and pleaded with them to desist from patronising them due to the effects on the users. He gave them indicators on her to identify drug users through their dressing code strange behaviours and deviant lifestyle.
“We are here to help you, not to arrest you,” he assured the students. “The Governor believes in your potentials, and that is why we are here today. Remember, codeine is a banned substance in Nigeria, and no legitimate doctor or pharmacist will prescribe it for you. Youths are particularly prone to misusing it, so please abstain from it.”
Mr. Sani Jaafar Bebeji, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, provided a clear definition of drugs as chemical substances, either natural or synthetic with the capacity to alter the behavior or function of the human body.
He distinguished between acceptable drugs, such as paracetamol and cold remedies, and prohibited substances, including cannabis sativa (marijuana), Rohypnol, heroin, tramadol (when not prescribed), and codeine.
He also emphasized that even acceptable drugs, like tramadol, could be dangerous when abused without a doctor’s prescription. He further highlighted the strong link between drug abuse and criminal activities among youth.
Mr. Bebeji emphasized the many detrimental effects of drug abuse, ranging from liver damage and mental instability to arrest and imprisonment.
A highlight of the day occurred when a student spontaneously composed a song with the theme: “Say No to Drug Abuse and Yes to Life.” The performance ignited the hall, creating a memorable moment. The students enthusiastically joined in, chanting and dancing to the campaign’s message of rejecting drugs and embracing life.
Students raised important questions, such as the origin of harmful drugs in their society. The campaign team provided thoughtful responses, explaining the complex reasons behind drug production and misuse, while also underscoring the potential for abuse, even with legally prescribed medications.
Principals from each school lauded the initiative and pledged their continued support.
The Principal of Utagbe-Ogbe Technical College stated: “The initiative is one that is needed in our schools and that we will continue to encourage these students to stay away from these harmful drugs, we appreciate this awareness campaign”
Principal of Alaka grammar school Oleh says “we would build a strong WADA club and this initiative is an aid to eradicating drug abuse”.
St Michael’s College Oleh stated that he believes that the initiative will help bring sanity to the minds of the youths and we look forward to more sensitisation of this nature.
Mrs C. O. Ekpelegho, Principal of Emevor Mixed Secondary School said: “we know that most of these drugs are not healthy, some of which we are not even aware, and it is an eye opener for some of us here as we were enlightened, and now to also educate our wards in at home”
Looking ahead, the “Drug Free Delta” campaign team will continue their sensitization activities on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
