….Oborevwori to launch drug free delta campaign Feb 3 at Unity Hall
By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh
The Delta State Government has reiterated the importance of good parenting, urging parents to raise their children with love, discipline, and guidance to help them become responsible adults free from drug abuse and deviant behavior.
Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, emphasized this during a joint press conference alongside the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Wada Abubakar, and the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi.
The briefing was held ahead of the Drug-Free Delta Sensitization Campaign.
Dr. Oghenesivbe underscored that good parenting involves providing love, support, clear expectations, and consistent discipline while fostering open communication and personal development.
He noted that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is deeply concerned about the rising rate of drug abuse and declining moral values among youths, which prompted the government to launch this awareness campaign in collaboration with the NDLEA and NOA.
The campaign, he explained, is necessary due to the high prevalence of substance abuse among Deltans aged 15 to 64, particularly among the youth.
The first phase will focus on senior secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The awareness campaign will be flagged off by Governor Oborevwori on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. It will conclude with a closing ceremony on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area.
“We will visit schools to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of behavioral change. It is crucial to catch them young.
“I urge the media to amplify this message and encourage parents to raise their children with strong moral values,” Dr. Oghenesivbe said.
He assured that the partnership with NDLEA and NOA would facilitate the establishment of Wada Drug Clubs in schools visited, alongside academic initiatives such as drama, essay, and quiz competitions to engage students in drug prevention efforts.
Commander Wada Abubakar of the NDLEA commended the state government for its commitment to tackling drug abuse, emphasizing that drug use is linked to various crimes, including armed robbery, rape, ritual killings, and kidnapping.
He urged stakeholders to take the fight against drug abuse seriously.
He expressed concern over the continued influx of illicit drugs such as codeine and tramadol into the state, stressing that restricting supply is key to reducing consumption.
The NDLEA, he added, is implementing various strategies, including counseling services, drug integrity tests, and tracking supply chains to curb drug-related issues.
“The NDLEA has arrested 854 suspects, seized over 595.3 kg of hard drugs, confiscated 613.68 liters of liquid drugs, destroyed one hectare of cannabis farmland, conducted 70 sensitization programs, counseled 604 addicts, rehabilitated nine, and secured 266 convictions,” he reported.
Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, the State Director of NOA, called for a collective effort in addressing drug abuse in Nigeria.
She advocated for strengthening law enforcement agencies, training their personnel, and fostering international collaboration to combat drug abuse more effectively.
The event’s highlight was the unveiling of branded t-shirts, face caps, posters, and banners for the Drug-Free Delta Sensitization Campaign.
