…As State Bureau, NDLEA concludes first phase “Drug Free Delta” campaign in Delta
Wife of the governor of Delta State, Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, has appealed to parents, teachers and faith based organisations to partner with Delta State government in the “Drug Free Delta” campaign with the Theme: Drug Kills, Say No to Drug Abuse.
Delta first lady, who was ably represented by Dr Mrs Fidelia Ighrakpata, made the appeal on Monday at the grand finale of the first phase campaign tour by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau in conjunction with the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, admonishing students against drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs.
Mrs Oborevwori disclosed that “as a mother, it breaks my heart to see children and youths who ought to be doing well wallowing in drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs. Am deeply pained. We must rise up for the great future of our children,” she said.
Oborevwori emphasized the need for parents, teachers and faith based organisations to play multifaceted roles in war against drug abuse in Nigeria, and more particularly in the ongoing “Drug Free Delta” campaign in schools and other designated places across the three senatorial districts, pointing out that the colourful destinies of our youths must be protected.
She commended the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, and his team, including officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Delta State Command, for the huge success recorded in the phase one of the “Drug Free Delta” campaign in selected Secondary Schools across the three Senatorial Districts.
Mrs Oborevwori assured that her pet project, You Matter Foundation, YMF, shall continue to work with the state government, relevant agencies and Non-governmental Organisations, NGOs, in the ongoing Drug Free Delta campaign, especially in the area of Counselling, Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition programmes for drug victims, adding that the state government is in the process of fast tracking the construction of Kwale rehabilitation center, while the facility in Agbor will be ready in the near future.
“There is no short cut 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 them 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.
“You Matter Foundation is committed to combating drug abuse and to doing more in the area of awareness and advocacy,” she stated.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, pointed out that the Delta Drug Free sensitization campaign has taken the Bureau to 28 Secondary schools across the three senatorial districts in the state.
He stated that the purpose was to make Delta 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 the state governor, Dr. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.
“We are here to celebrate the success of our campaign in this first phase which was flagged off on the 3rd of February by our amiable governor, Dr Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and has taken us to 28 secondary schools across the three senatorial districts in the state. More schools will be visited, including higher institutions in the second phase,” he remarked.
Dr Oghenesivbe posited that Governor Oborevwori wished that no Delta student was involved in illegal use of drugs, except drugs prescribed by a certified medical doctor, and licit drugs dispensed by pharmacist.
He enjoined the participants to avoid alcohol, codeine, tramadol and other illicit drugs, emphasizing the urgent need for students to be focused academically and in other set goals, pointing out that 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 “Drug Integrity Test” to check prospective students drug status before being offered admission into all higher institutions in the state.
The Bureau helmsman 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.)
In his remark, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Abubakar Wada, 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 reaffirmed the resolve of the Command to fight drug abuse and to bring to book all those who fall short of the law.
In his words, “Drug Integrity Test is necessary for all youths, especially at entry point into the tertiary institution in order to nib the menace in the bud.
In the Lecture tagged, “Yes to Life, No to Drug Abuse,” the Assistant State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Silais Omobude, tasked the students to shun the temptation of engaging in drug abuse, advising them to choose their friends wisely.
The commissioner of Police Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, ably represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated that 95% of security challenges are birthed by drug abuse.
He enjoined the participants to shun all forms of drug abuse, stressing that it is harmful to health and their future.
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I, Major General Felix Mujakperuo, represented by the Prime Minister of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Mike Affe maintained that the root causes of all manners of crime is attributed to drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs.
The Orodje of ancient Okpe Kingdom, said that when youths engaged in drug abuse and alcoholism, they become liable to armed robbery, ritual killing, kidnapping, rape, among other crimes.
He affirmed that the Orientation and Communications Bureau has his royal support, praying that the desired result be achieved.
Former Federal Information Minister and Chairman, Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire expressed his deep concern on drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs, stating that the increase in our society today is alarming, speaking from a father perspective he said “in the 50s and 60s we didn’t see as much drug users as we see today, this is not good for any society because beyond the effect it has on you and your families, it would affect the society at large drastically”.
He admonished the students to be goal oriented and forget about all these illicit drugs mentioned to enable them achieve a bright future.
Dr. Ogelle Olive, representing the Honorable Commissioner for Health, stated “if you want to be successful it’s in your hands, and drugs do not take you to a happy ending, admonishing the students to stay off from illicit drugs.
Special Advisee to Delta State Governor on Women Development, Chief Mrs Eunice Anirah ably represented by Mrs Afighi, stated “the end result of every drug abuser is bad news”. She advised the students to embrace all that is good and shun every negative vice quoting from Philippians 4:8 “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”.
The Chairman Okpe Local Government Council, ably represented by his Vice, Hon. Mary Otikiri thanked His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State for the meaningful development all around the state, especially for relocating the Faculty of Management Science of Southern Delta University, Ozoro to Orerokpe, rehabilitation and upgrading of Orerokpe General Hospital, the massive construction of roads across the Local Government, amongst others.
She emphasized the importance of the gathering which goes to underscore the vision of His Excellency towards having a better State, believing in the dreams of our youths.
“As students you are at a critical stage in your lives where the choices you make will determine your future. Drug Abuse is a serious issue that affects not only the individuals but also families, communities and society as a whole. It can lead to addiction, health challenges and even loss of life”.
“As future leaders, it is essential that you make informed decisions, about your health and wellbeing”, Chief Esiovwa said.
In the same vein, other stakeholders, like Royal fathers, political and religious leaders present did not fail to elucidate on the dangers of drug Abuse while encouraging the students to be vision oriented.
The former member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, and Chairman, Governing Council of Delta State College of Education, Mosogar, Rt Hon Sunny Akpodiogaga Emeyese also attended the first phase “Drug Free Delta” campaign grand finale held at Edion Hall, opposite Orodje of Okpe Palace, Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency, was well represented by the State Director of the agency, Mrs Tracy Ikolomi, who also gave the vote of thanks onbehalf of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
