Delta State Government, on Monday, launched a statewide campaign to combat drug abuse and the use of illicit substances in Secondary schools and higher institutions.
The campaign, which is being done by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has the theme, “No Drugs, Healthy Living For A Greater Future”.
Speaking during the inauguration held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, stated that the Government was considering introducing drug testing kits as a prerequisite for students seeking admissions into higher institutions of learning in the State.
Citing a study published in the African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, the governor, who was represented by Joseph Onoejaeme, the Commissioner for Health, noted that illicit drug use had been linked to deviant behaviours such as truancy and stealing among young people in the state.
He emphasised that the Government was collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to implement an aggressive statewide awareness campaign against drug abuse.
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“Starting from secondary schools across the state, the Drug-Free Delta campaign will also extend to institutions of higher learning.
“As the NDLEA Commander suggested, we will consider the proposal to use drug testing kits as a prerequisite for students’ admissions into higher institutions. Let me also add that we are going to include the primary schools,” Onojaeme stated.
He noted that the State Government is working tirelessly to accelerate the completion of the rehabilitation center at Kwale Central Hospital, which would serve as a counselling, rehabilitation and skill acquisition facility for affected individuals.
He, therefore, called on all stakeholders, including teachers, parents and community leaders, to join the Government in its fight against drug abuse to ensure a safer and healthier society.
Earlier, Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, explained that the campaign seeks to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among young people, especially those in secondary and higher schools.
“The rising wave of drug abuse among young people is alarming. This campaign is a proactive approach to addressing the menace by educating, sensitizing and empowering youths with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” Oghenesivbe noted.
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