National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Peter Chucks, Asaba
DELTA: The Delta State Government has launched a statewide campaign to combat drug abuse among youths, with plans to introduce drug testing as a prerequisite for admission into higher institutions.
The campaign is expected to expand across all educational institutions in the state, with continuous sensitization programs and community engagements to curb drug abuse.
The initiative, tagged “No Drugs, Healthy Living for a Greater Future,” was flagged off at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, emphasized the dangers of substance abuse among students, citing research that links drug use to truancy, theft, and deviant behavior.
“The Drug-Free Delta campaign will start in secondary schools and extend to higher institutions. As the NDLEA Commander suggested, we will consider introducing drug testing kits as part of admission requirements. Additionally, this campaign will be extended to primary schools to ensure early awareness,” Onojaeme stated.
He also revealed that the state government is finalizing the construction of a rehabilitation center at Kwale Central Hospital, which will provide counseling, rehabilitation, and skill acquisition programs for those affected by drug abuse.
The NDLEA Commander in Delta State, Barr. Abubakar Wada, commended the state government for its proactive approach, noting that the agency has intensified efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks in the state.
“We are working to reduce both the supply and demand of illicit drugs through continuous operations targeting drug farms and traffickers. Drug testing in tertiary institutions will help identify affected students and provide them with the necessary rehabilitation,” Wada stated.
The Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Latimore Oghenesivbe, stressed that drug abuse among youths is a growing concern that requires urgent intervention.
“This campaign is designed to educate, sensitize, and empower young people to make the right choices. We must all work together to prevent this menace from destroying the future of our youth,” Oghenesivbe said.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, represented by Majority Leader Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, urged students to stay away from drugs and focus on their education.
