Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially launched the ‘Drug-Free Delta’ Campaign, a bold initiative aimed at combating the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly among the youth in the state.
Speaking at the Official flag off ceremony of drug free Delta campaign in secondary schools across Delta State held in Government House Asaba, on Monday February 3, 2025, Governor Oborevwori described the campaign as a critical step in addressing a societal problem that has grown to “monumental proportions.”
Represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, the purpose of the gathering was to look out for possible ways of getting rid of a societal problem, which has grown to a monumental proportion,” the governor declared.
“The alarming increase in the prevalence of illicit drug use among our youth has compelled us to take decisive action aimed at drastically reducing and ultimately eliminating it in Delta State.”
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Delta State Government and the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside other stakeholders, including the State’s Orientation and Communication Bureau.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the campaign would focus on education, prevention, and rehabilitation, targeting secondary schools, higher institutions, and even primary schools across the state.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the governor referenced several disturbing statistics, saying “According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Nigeria has a drug use prevalence rate of 14.4% among individuals aged 15 to 64.
“Cannabis (marijuana) accounts for 13.4% of this usage, with opiates at 4.4% and tranquilizers at 3.4%, making them the most commonly abused substances in the country”.
Closer to home, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Substance Use found that 21.1% of adolescents in Delta State had used drugs, with cannabis at 17.1%, codeine at 12.5%, and tramadol at 10.3%.
The governor stressed that drug abuse often leads to deviant behaviors, such as theft and violent crime, which have become prevalent among affected youths.
Governor Oborevwori outlined a multi-faceted approach to the campaign, which includes interactive workshops, seminars, and sensitization programs across the state’s educational institutions.
“Our target is to educate, sensitize, and empower our young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about drug use,” he said.
He also hinted at stricter measures, noting that drug testing kits might soon become a prerequisite for admission into higher institutions in the state.
“Like the NDLEA Commander said, I will report back to His Excellency on the use of drug testing kits as a requirement for admitting students into tertiary institutions,” the governor noted.
While praising the NDLEA for its ongoing efforts in enforcement, prosecution, counseling, and rehabilitation, Governor Oborevwori called for heightened vigilance.
“I urge the NDLEA to step up their enforcement across the state, covering land, air, and sea ports to curb the influx of illicit drugs,” he added.
The governor emphasized the devastating social, health, and economic consequences of drug abuse.
“Drug abuse is a global health and social problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The South-South region, including Delta State, has been identified as a high-risk zone for drug abuse.
Its consequences are far-reaching, leading to increased mortality, hospital admissions, and serious social disequilibrium,” he warned.
Through education, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, the ‘Drug-Free Delta’ Campaign aims to create a healthier, safer future for the next generation.
The Health Commissioner noted that little quantity of alcohol is cardioprotective, but recent studies have shown that even consuming very little quantity of alcohol is very harmful to the body.
He said it can cause multi-systemic organ damage, especially the renal system. If you notice, there is a lot of renal failure that we are experiencing in Nigeria currently and Delta State is not left out.
According to him, that has increased the hospital stay of patients and the number of hospital admissions over the years.
So, as it is stated for smokers are liable to die young, alcoholic drinkers are liable to die young also.
Earlier, the Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Oghenesivbe Latimore, stated that the campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among young people, particularly those in secondary schools and higher institutions.
“The increasing rate of drug abuse among youths is a cause for concern. This campaign is a proactive measure to tackle the issue by educating, sensitizing, and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” Dr. Oghenesivbe emphasized.
He further explained that the first phase of the campaign would focus on secondary schools, while subsequent phases would target tertiary institutions.
In the same vein, the State NDLEA Commander, Barr. Abubakar Wada, highlighted the agency’s efforts in combating drug abuse across the state.
These efforts include reducing both the supply and demand of drugs, carrying out operations on cannabis farms, and destroying illegal substances.
He added that the introduction of drug testing kits in tertiary institutions is designed to help identify affected individuals and provide them with the necessary counseling and rehabilitation support.
Meanwhile, various stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, represented by the Majority Leader and Member representing Aniocha North, Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, delivered goodwill messages.
They encouraged students to stay away from drug abuse in order to secure a brighter future.
