… ‘It’s a massive success’, says Latimore
By Emeka Nwokocha
Delta State Governor, Dr. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has charged parents, teachers, religious organisations and public and private institutions to be in the forefront of the ongoing “Drug Free Delta” campaign in secondary schools across the state, saying, “We must stop this evil before it destroys the future of our children.”
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori gave the charge, Tuesday, 18 February 2025, at the grand finale of the first phase of the campaign held in Orerokpe, headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area of the state.
In her address, Deaconess Tobore, who was represented by Dr. Fidelia Ighrakpata, charged students to stay off drugs, warning that drug addiction affects a person’s self-control, adding that substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids, are psychoactive drugs that may change an individual’s brain function and structure after chronic use.
She advised students to work hard so they can live a good life in future.”
Continuing, she lamented the increasing trend of drug abuse and substance use among youths, saying it has caused so much pain in society, particularly in families.
She emphasized the need for quick intervention by members of society to curb the menace, adding that the You Matter Charity Foundation would work with well meaning organisations to step up advocacy and raise awareness on the harm caused by drug abuse.
“Always monitor the activities of your children and wards and don’t stop talking to them about the danger of drugs,” she charged parents.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of Delta State Orientation Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe described the success achieved by the Drug Free Delta campaign as massive.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for pioneering the campaign, saying “It aims to eradicate drug abuse and substance use among students and youths in the state.”
He stated that the campaign had covered 32 schools in the first phase, adding that the second phase would commence soon.
Recalling the memorable events of the campaign, Oghenesivbe said, “Across the schools we had visited, we discovered that the students know some of these drugs and also know some of the harmful effects, so it was very easy for us to communicate with them, and they resonated to the message of the campaign “Drug free Delta, Say No To Drugs, Yes To life!”
Fielding questions from journalists, Dr. Oghenesivbe stated that rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse is a component of the Drug Free Delta Campaign, saying that Delta State government is working on two rehabilitation centres in Kwale and Agbor which will be equipped with facilities to avail persons undergoing rehabilitation the opportunity to learn skills, and Delta State government will give them starter packs and funding to enable them reintegrated into society and start life again.
In his further statement, Dr. Oghenesivbe said that the sustainability plan for the campaign includes creation of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club in schools, translation of the campaign to drama in schools, essay writing competition and quiz on drug abuse, sustained sensitisation on drug abuse, and regular monitoring of the activities of the WADA Club in schools.
“The principals of the schools will be saddled with responsibility to talk about drug abuse during assembly and also invite experts to teach the students about the hazardous effects of drug abuse and substance use,” he stated, adding that the coming into effect of the initiative of the state government to make drug-testing kits a prerequisite for students seeking admission into higher institutions of learning will strongly enhance the sustainability of the Drug Free Delta Campaign.
The royal father of the day, HRM, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, commended Delta State government for taking a bold step in tackling drug abuse among student and youths in the state, expressing hope that the campaign would reduce the menace in society to barest minimum.
In his remarks, the Delta State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Abubakar Wada, admonished students to shun drugs and substance use, pledging the commands support to the ongoing Delta State government’s initiative to tackle drug abuse in the state with unprecedented zeal.
Speaking to the students, Mr Silas Omobhude Osagie, Assistant State Commander, NDLEA, Delta State Command, counselled students to abstain from drug abuse and use of Illicit drugs so they could fulfill their ambition in life.
He charged them to “Say No To Drugs, and Yes To Life.”
Continuing, he educated the students on the meaning of drug abuse and how to identify illicit drugs, as samples of different types of illicit drugs were in display, including slides showing abnormal behaviours of persons who are victims of drug abuse and substance use.
Mr. Osagie advised the students to be wary of what they eat and drink, especially at parties, saying that the act of lacing cakes with drugs is becoming a fashionable practice among youths in recent times.
He charged them not to keep company of bad friends, urged them to always say “Yes to Live, No Drugs.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Okpe local government area, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, who was represented by Hon. (Mrs.) Mary Ebrygbare Otikiri, described the Drug Free Delta campaign as a welcome development. He tasked students on good behaviour, saying, “As students, you are at a critical stage of your lives where the choice you make will determine your future.”
He called on relevant agencies in-charge of drug control and usage to intensify effort to reduce the menace to the barest minimum, saying, “Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes healthy choices and drug free lifestyle. Let us make a commitment today to prioritize our health.”
Students from secondary schools across Okpe and Uvwie local government areas – Eradajeye secondary school, Adagbrasa-Ugolo, Osubi secondary school, Osubi, Oha secondary school, Oha, Orerokpe secondary school, Orerokpe, and Urhobo college, Effurun, attended the ceremony.
Dignitaries present at the event include Dr. (Mrs.) Fidelia Ighrakpata, representative of Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Chief Michael Afe, representative of HRM, Orhue I, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (CFR, mni, Rtd), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom; Rt. Hon. Akpodiogaga Sunny Emeyese, former member of House of Representatives; SP Bright Edafe, representative of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda; Abubakar Wada, Esq., Commander, NDLEA, Delta State; Dr. Olive Ogelle, representative of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme; Prof. Sam Oyovwaire; Dr. Adogbeji Ideh; Chief Monday Arawore, President General of Umiaghwa Abraka kingdom; Mrs. Blessing Afighi, representative of the Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Women, Chief Eunice Anirah; Deaconess Tracy Omamode Ikolomi, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Delta State; Hon. Mary Ebrugbare Otikiri, Vice Chairman, Okpe LGA, representative of the Chairman of OKPE LGA, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa; Mr. Silas Omobhude, Assistant Commander, NDLEA, Delta State; and other personalities.
