State Orientation Bureau, NDLEA Take Drug-Free Delta Campaign to Delta South Schools
...Govt Urges Students to Protect Their Future, Stay Clear of Illicit Drugs
By Omonigho Okotie
The second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign has intensified its statewide sensitisation drive, taking the anti-drug message to schools in Delta South and engaging students on the dangers of illicit drug use and its potential consequences for their education, aspirations and future.
The campaign, which commenced on Monday, September 21, 2026, with engagements in selected schools in Delta North, is being implemented by the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The sensitisation team visited Aradhe Grammar School, Aradhe; Owelogbo Secondary School, Owelogbo; and Emore Grammar School, Oleh, where students participated in interactive sessions on drug abuse, prevention and responsible decision-making.
The Director-General of the Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., was represented by the Director of Orientation, Mrs. Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh, who delivered the Director-General's message to the students. She said the campaign reflected the State Government's commitment to protecting young people from influences capable of undermining their education, wellbeing and future prospects.
“We are from the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, and we have been moving from school to school across the State. My Director-General asked me to deliver the message of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, to you today,” she said.
Onyekachukwu-Uteh said Governor Oborevwori places a high premium on education and human capital development, noting that the campaign aligns with the administration's MORE Agenda and its commitment to nurturing a productive, responsible and healthy younger generation.
She explained that the partnership with the NDLEA was intended to ensure that students understood the dangers of illicit drugs and the need to protect their aspirations from influences capable of derailing their future. “You are the ones who must make the right choices for yourselves. Do not allow the use of illicit drugs to stand between you and the bright future you deserve,” she urged.
The Deputy State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Silas Omobhude, subsequently led an interactive session, explaining that drugs are substances which, when introduced into the body, can affect the central nervous system and alter normal bodily or mental functions. He distinguished between licit and illicit drugs, stressing that legally available medicines must be used strictly for their intended purposes and under appropriate medical guidance.
Using tramadol as an example, Omobhude cautioned that the fact that a substance is available as a medicine does not make it safe for indiscriminate or unsupervised use. He also identified cannabis, cocaine and heroin among prohibited substances and warned students against possessing, transporting, selling or assisting others to handle such drugs.
“On no account should any of the illicit drugs I have mentioned be found in your possession. Do not assist anybody in keeping or transporting them for you. If you are found in possession of such substances, you may face arrest and prosecution,” he cautioned.
Drawing from real-life experiences, the NDLEA official highlighted how drug abuse can adversely affect education, careers, relationships and personal aspirations. He challenged the students to remain focused on their goals and avoid choices capable of jeopardising their future, while urging teachers and school authorities to provide positive examples and help shield young people from drug-related influences.
The interactive session generated questions from the students about why some young people become involved in drug use, why harmful substances continue to be produced and sold, and why medicines such as tramadol require prescriptions. Responding, Omobhude stressed that legality does not necessarily mean harmlessness, emphasising regulated use, medical supervision and compliance with relevant laws.
He also explained the distinction between regulated products and substances prohibited outright, noting that products such as tobacco are subject to regulation and health warnings, while cannabis, cocaine and heroin are prohibited. The students were further advised to exercise caution at parties and other social gatherings, particularly when accepting drinks or other consumables from people they do not know or trust.
The anti-drug message was reinforced through a drama presentation by the students, depicting the consequences of drug abuse on individuals, families and society. The presentation, followed by a collective anti-drug chant, brought the message closer to the students and demonstrated how seemingly small decisions can have serious implications for education, relationships, careers and the future.
A toll-free reporting line was also provided to students, teachers and other participants to enable them report incidents or concerns relating to drug abuse and trafficking to the appropriate authorities. Omobhude urged the students to remain vigilant, seek help when necessary and report suspicious situations rather than expose themselves to avoidable risks.
The principals of the participating schools expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for bringing the sensitisation programme directly to their schools. They said the engagement with professionals from the Orientation and Communications Bureau and the NDLEA would deepen students' understanding of drug abuse and strengthen school-based efforts to protect them from harmful influences.
The school authorities also expressed optimism that the establishment and strengthening of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Clubs would provide a sustainable platform for students to promote drug-free living among their peers. They noted that the clubs would complement the efforts of teachers, parents and government agencies by encouraging students to become advocates for responsible choices and healthy lifestyles in their schools and communities.
The engagements across the schools reaffirmed the central message of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign: that preventing drug abuse requires early sensitisation, sustained public awareness and the empowerment of young people with the knowledge and confidence to protect their dreams and make choices that will secure their future.
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