NDLEA, Edo intensify anti-drug campaign

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo state command, has intensified its campaign against drug abuse among youths through a mini marathon designed to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage substance abuse among secondary school students.

The maiden edition of the Okpebholo and Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse brought together students from secondary schools across Edo State in a sporting initiative aimed at using athletics to drive the anti-drug campaign.

Speaking at the event, the NDLEA Edo state Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the race as the first of its kind in Nigeria, stressing that the fight against substance abuse should extend beyond arrests and prosecution.

According to him, engaging young people through sports, education and empowerment would help prevent them from falling into drug abuse while also providing opportunities for talent discovery.

“Drug abuse is destroying our children, the youth, and even the elders. It destroys the brain, the body, and the dreams of our young people,” the organisers said.

Ofoyeju said the marathon was conceived to demonstrate how sports could be deployed as a preventive tool in the fight against drug abuse while identifying promising athletes at the grassroots.

“Ultimately, we are running today, and the children are having fun. We are equally identifying great athletes who will become Olympic champions tomorrow, while inculcating in them strong values of a drug-free lifestyle,” he said.

The NDLEA commander commended the Edo State Drug Control Committee and other stakeholders for their commitment to promoting drug-free schools and communities across the state.

He also acknowledged the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), towards the youth development and anti-drug initiative.

Ofoyeju disclosed that the first, second and third-place winners in both the male and female categories would receive one-year full academic scholarships.

Ojie Victor a Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 student of Edokpolo grammar school emerged winner of competition.

Continuing, the NDLEA Commander added that the winners would also be decorated as WADA student ambassadors for Edo State and expected to spread the anti-drug message in their schools, communities and through social media.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo state government, Pius Alile, commended the organisers, noting that the initiative went beyond sensitisation by showing young people that there were productive alternatives to drug use.

Alile stressed the need for the programme to be sustained and expanded to accommodate more young people, given the damaging effects of substance abuse on individuals and society.