Remain drug-free to benefit from MORE agenda, Delta DG tells students

Students in secondary schools across Delta State have been urged to remain drug-free in order to benefit from MORE Agenda of the incumbent administration led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The call came as the Drug-Free Delta Campaign Train touched down at Owa Model School, Boji-Boji Owa, Dein Palace Secondary School, Agbor and Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku, all in Delta North District, Thursday, the fourth day of the campaign.

The state-wide campaign initiated by the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau (DSOCB) in partnership with the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is as a result of the alarming national statistics on youth drug abuse in the country.

Latimore Oghenesivbe, director-general, Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, who made the call, said that Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to achieving a Drug-Free Delta as cornerstone of his agenda for meaningful development and enhanced security encapsulated in the MORE Agenda, is in full scale implementation across the state.

Remaining drug-free is crucial for the students to fully benefit from the good governance strides of the governor, he said.

He warned that drug abuse and use of illicit drugs could prematurely kill students’ lofty dreams and aspirations.

Giving the message of love to the students, Oghenesivbe told them how the governor loved them deeply and cares for their well-being to the extent that he has entrusted the bureau to deliver the message of hope and empowerment to them. Choose a Drug-Free path and unlock your full potentials, the DG admonished.

Contributing, Silas Osagie, Assistant State Commander of NDLEA, appealed to the students to stay away completely from use of Illicit drugs and drug abuse, stressing that the more reason they should do so was that traces of drugs could be detected in human bloodstream within 90 days after exposure.

Focus on your studies, avoid bad company and report all illicit drug and drug abuse cases to your school head or principal.

He encouraged them to participate actively in War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club activities, established in their schools.

He informed them that due to alarming national statistics on youth drug abuse in the country, the Delta State Government through the bureau and NDLEA decided to bring the “Drug Free Delta” awareness campaign to them.

Osagie collaborated the good intensions of the state government in the ongoing “Drug Free Delta Campaign” by engaging the students in a discussion about the differences between licit and illicit drugs, shared a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of accepting unknown substances from friends and relatives.

“A 15-year-old girl lost her virginity after unknowingly consuming Rohypnol. The drug clouded her judgment, rendering her vulnerable to exploitation.”

On the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, Osagie revealed that traces of drugs can remain detectable in an individual’s bloodstream for up to 90 days after exposure.

“This is why abstaining from drugs, except those prescribed by a medical professional, is essential.

One of the students voluntarily narrated her involvement in selling drugs, attributing it to the influence of her stepmother and a friend.

BusinessDay reports that the courageous act signalled how impactful the campaign was, demanding intervention and support.

An elated Festus Nweke, the principal of Owa Model Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to the state government and the governor, for prioritising the well-being of Delta youths.

He pledged to reinforce the “Drug Free Delta” message and strengthen the school’s WADA club, empowering students to become proactive advocates for a drug-free society.

The Principals of Dein Palace Secondary School and Obiaruku Grammar School, Messrs. Peter Obuseh and Enemuwe Azubuike, respectively, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a drug-free learning environment.