The “Drug-Free Delta” campaign continues to gain momentum across the state’s three senatorial districts, with a growing number of students endorsing the use of NDLEA’s illicit drug test kits as a requirement for admission and periodic testing in schools.
During interactive sessions with students, Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Silas Omobhude Osagie, alongside the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications team, noted that most students support the implementation of drug testing as a practical solution to curb the rising trend of drug abuse and deviant behavior among secondary school students.
At the official launch of the campaign at Government House on Monday, February 3rd, NDLEA State Commander Abubakar Wada, Esq., and other key stakeholders recommended the introduction of drug test kits to screen candidates seeking admission into secondary schools and higher institutions in Delta State and across Nigeria.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, also backed the initiative, promising to present the proposal to the governor as part of efforts to combat drug abuse among youths in the state.
As the six-day statewide campaign by the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau continues, students from several secondary schools have expressed strong support for the initiative.
Students from Afiesere Secondary School, Ughelli; Agbon Secondary School, Isiokolo; Government Model Secondary School, Oginibo; and Okwagbe Secondary School, Okwagbe, were among those advocating for the use of drug test kits to monitor students’ drug status and ensure a drug-free learning environment.
“We are here today to tell you that you should stay away from illicit drugs, and to advise you to choose your friends wisely and take your academic work seriously.
“This is the message His Excellency, Dr. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau (SOCB) asked us to communicate to you,” Mr. Omobhude stated.
Addressing a common misconception, Mr. Omobhude emphasized, “You don’t need to add any of these drugs to your diet for strength, as some of you say. The strength you have is well enough for your academic work and any other physical activity you need to embark on.”
Sir Chris Ahweyevu, Principal of Afiesere Secondary School, was elated, noting that the NDLEA had previously visited their school, highlighting the importance of this continued awareness campaign against use of Illicit Drugs and drug Abuse among youth in the state and in Nigeria.
Mrs. Okaro Edith, Principal of Agbon Secondary School Isiokolo, expressed her appreciation to the State Government and the sensitization team.
She stated that the establishment of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA Club) in the school would continually remind students of the core message of His Excellency, the governor of Delta State towards having a drug-free state.
Mrs. Oteri Patricia, Principal of Okwagbe Secondary School, Okwagbe and the principal of Government Model Secondary School Oginibo equally expressed their appreciations.
