The Delta State government has begun sensitisation of its students on the implications and dangers of consuming illicit drugs to strengthen the state’s fight against drug abuse.

The Director-General, State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Wilfred Oghenesivbe, stated this while addressing students of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor

Mr Oghenesivbe said the exercise was part of the state government’s intensified Drug-Free Delta Campaign, urging the students to shun illicit substances, resist negative peer pressure and safeguard their health, and future aspirations.

He said the campaign was organised in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to him, the drug-free campaign is part of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s efforts to tackle drug abuse through preventive education, public enlightenment and direct engagement with young people in tertiary institutions and communities.

The director-general added that the governor remained committed to protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse.

He warned that drug abuse could destroy promising lives, undermine academic achievements and frustrate the aspirations of young people.

He stated, “I am here to deliver the governor’s message to you. He wants you to have a bright future, and he understands that drug abuse can stand in the way of achieving your dreams.

“That is why we have brought experts from the NDLEA to educate you on the dangers and consequences of substance abuse.”

Mr Oghenesivbe reiterated the state government’s commitment to preventive education, awareness creation and strategic collaboration with relevant agencies.

He said that the partnership with the NDLEA was designed to equip students with the knowledge to make informed choices and avoid practices capable of jeopardising their health and future.

He noted that the Drug-Free Delta Campaign reinforced the importance of collective action involving government, parents, schools, communities and young people in building a society free from the devastating effects of substance abuse.

Speaking, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, NDLEA, Augustine Ojobo, warned that substance abuse could impair brain function and judgment, trigger hallucinations, encourage addiction and undermine academic performance.

He advised the students to be vigilant about what they consumed, avoid suspicious food and drinks, and resist individuals,  who might introduce them to illicit substances under the guise of friendship or social enjoyment.

Mr Ojobo educated the students on the meaning, categories and effects of drugs.

He identified substances with legitimate medical applications and illicit drugs whose misuse could cause serious physical, psychological and behavioural complications.

The NDLEA official, however, cautioned students against consuming illicit substances concealed in seemingly harmless food and beverages, including cakes and drinks served at social gatherings.

Mr Ojobo, who displayed drug-testing kits, explained that they could detect several categories of drugs through urine samples within minutes.

He commended the state government for making the kits available to support drug screening and strengthen preventive measures in the drive toward a drug-free society.

He stated, “Drug abuse can derail students’ educational and professional ambitions. Some young people have suffered academic setbacks after experimenting with illicit substances.”

Mr Ojobo advised the students not to exchange their future opportunities for temporary pleasure.

He said that drug screening had become an important component of the recruitment processes of several organisations.

The NDLEA official also encouraged the students to speak out against drug abuse, seek professional assistance where necessary and support friends struggling with substance dependency by encouraging them to access appropriate help.

A participant and student of the school, Patrick Okoro, commended the state government for organising the campaign and assured that they would become ambassadors of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign.

Another student, Chioma Okonkwo, said that they would share the knowledge acquired with their peers, families and communities.

The campaign featured an interactive question-and-answer session during which students sought clarification on drug abuse, prevention, identification of suspicious substances and its consequences.

The NDLEA also introduced a toll-free line, 080010203040, for reporting suspicious activities involving the use, sale or transportation of illicit drugs.

Drug testing has become one of the major requirements for admission into most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

(NAN)