As the state wide “Drug Free Delta” campaign continue to gain unprecedented momentum across the three senatorial districts in Delta, a large number of students have endorsed the use of the NDLEA’s Illicit drug test kits as criteria for admission, and to periodically check students status.
Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Silas Omobhude Osagie, and State Bureau for Orientation and Communications team while engaging students in interactive sessions, noted that majority of the students are in full support of use of NDLEA drug test kits as a result oriented measure to drastically reduce the rising wave of drug addiction and high rate of deviant behaviour among secondary students in Nigeria.
At the Flag-Off ceremony of the campaign in Government House on Monday 3rd February, the NDLEA State Commander, Abubakar Wada Esq, and other stakeholders present recommended the use of drug test kits to ascertain the status of candidates seeking admission into Secondary Schools and Institutions of higher learning in in Delta state, and in all states of the federation.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme who represented governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the ceremony, also endorsed the drug test option, and promised to bring the issue before the governor as a means of drastically reducing illicit drug uses and drug abuse among youth in the state.
In the same vein, Day 1 to 6 of the state wide campaign by Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau to selected Secondary Schools recorded more and more students endorsements for the use of NDLEA test kits.
Majority of the students at Afiesere Secondary School Ughelli, Agbon Secondary School Isiokolo, Government Model Secondary School Oginibo, and Okwagbe Secondary School, Okwagbe on Tuesday, also made a strong case for the use of drug test kits to periodically ascertain students drug status.
“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.
