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As First Phase Of ‘Drug Free Delta’ Campaign Ends
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
WIFE of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess 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: “Drugs Kill, Say No to Drug Abuse.”
Dcn Oborevwori, who was represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Fidelia Ighrakpata, made the appeal 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 substances. The First Lady disclosed that “as a mother, it breaks my heart to see children and youths who ought to be doing well wallow in drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs. I am deeply pained. We must rise up for the great future of our children,” she said. She emphasized the need for parents, teachers and faith- based organisations to play significant roles in the ongoing war against drug abuse in Nigeria, and in particular 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 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.
The first lady 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 was in the process of fast-tracking the construction of Kwale rehabilitation center, while the facility in Agbor will be ready in the near future.
“Do not stop talking to our children and youths about the dangers of illicit drugs. This event draws attention to 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 wallow 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 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. In his remark, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Abubakar Wada, bemoaned the high rate of illicit drugs among Nigerians, especially the youth, and 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 the Lecture tagged, “Yes to Life, No to Drug Abuse,” the Assistant State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Silais Omobude, urged 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. 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 Okpe Kingdom, said that when youths engage 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.
