Oborevwori calls for collaborative efforts in war against drug abuse in Nigeria

Tombore Oborevwori, wife of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for collaborative efforts in the war against drug abuse in the country. There is a need for parents, teachers and faith-based organisations to play multifaceted roles in the war against drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly in the ongoing “Drug-Free Delta” campaign in schools and other designated places across the three senatorial districts of the state, she said.

Oborevwori spoke through Fidelia Ighrakpata, who represented her at the grand finale of the first phase campaign tour by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau (DSOCB) in conjunction with the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to her, “the colourful destinies of our youths must be protected.” “There is no shortcut to a good life, refraining from using illicit drugs brings peace, Joy and happiness to you. Hard drugs affect you mentally and physically.

“Do not stop talking to our children and youths  about the dangers of illicit drugs. This event draws attention for the need to give quick attention to drug abuse by the society”.

“As a parent and mother, it breaks my heart to see children who should be doing well wallowing in drug abuse. While commending Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Director-General of DSOCB and his team from Delta NDLEA for the success recorded in the first phase of the campaign in selected secondary schools across the three senatorial zones.

She assured that the You Matter Foundation (YMF), her pet project shall continue to work with the state government, relevant agencies and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the ongoing Drug-Free Delta Campaign.

We shall partner especially in the area of Counselling, Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition programs for drug victims. The state government is in the process of fast-tracking the construction of Kwale Rehabilitation Center while the facility in Agbor will be ready shortly, she disclosed.

Latimore Oghenesivbe, DG of DSOCB said that the sensitization campaign has taken the bureau to 28 Secondary schools across the three senatorial districts in the state, to make the state free from drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs, in line with the the enhanced peace and security encapsulated in the MORE agenda of Governor Oborevwori.

Our  Governor wished that no Delta student was involved in the illegal use of drugs, except drugs prescribed by a certified medical doctor, and licit drugs dispensed by a pharmacist.

He advised the participants to avoid alcohol, codeine, tramadol and other illicit drugs. Thus, he harped on the urgent need for students to be focused academically and on other set goals, as the War Against Drug-Free, WADA CLUBs have been constituted and mandatory in all secondary schools across the state.

He disclosed that the state government may consider the proposal by NDLEA to introduce a “Drug Integrity Test” to check prospective students’ drug status before being offered admission into all higher institutions in the state.

The Bureau’s DG explained that his office is charged with the responsibility to ensure that the vision of the governor is driven in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA.)

Abubakar Wada, the State Commander of the NDLEA,  bemoaned the high rate of illicit drugs among Nigerians, especially the youth while thanking Governor Oborevwori for providing brand new Hilux Vans operational vehicles to apprehend local inter-state drug peddlers and hawkers in the state.

He restated the resolve of the Command to fight drug abuse and to bring to book all those who fall short of the law. “Drug Integrity Test is necessary for all youths, especially at the entry point into the tertiary institution to nib the menace in the bud.