The Delta State Government has stepped up its campaign against substance abuse with a sensitisation programme for students of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor.
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), seeks to educate young people on the dangers of illicit drugs and discourage practices that could threaten their health and future.
The Director-General of the State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Wilfred Oghenesivbe, disclosed this while addressing the students, urging them to avoid illicit substances and resist peer pressure.
He said the programme was part of the state government’s intensified Drug-Free Delta Campaign under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, which focuses on preventive education and public awareness.
Mr Oghenesivbe noted that drug abuse could ruin young people’s lives, affect their academic performance and prevent them from achieving their ambitions.
He said the governor was committed to protecting young people from substance abuse, adding that NDLEA experts were brought in to educate the students on the consequences of drug consumption.
The director-general stressed the need for sustained collaboration between government agencies, schools, parents and communities to address the problem.
Speaking at the event, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics with the NDLEA, Augustine Ojobo, warned that substance abuse could damage brain function, impair judgment, cause hallucinations and lead to addiction.
He advised students to be careful about the food and drinks they consume, warning that illicit substances could be concealed in seemingly harmless items, including cakes and beverages served at social gatherings.
Mr Ojobo also explained the different categories of drugs, their medical applications and the dangers associated with their misuse.
Displaying drug-testing kits, he said the devices could detect various categories of substances through urine samples within minutes. He commended the state government for providing the kits to support screening and preventive efforts.
The NDLEA official further warned that drug abuse could derail students’ educational and career ambitions, noting that several organisations now include drug screening in their recruitment procedures.
He urged students to speak against substance abuse, seek professional help when necessary and encourage friends battling addiction to access appropriate support.
Two participants, Patrick Okoro and Chioma Okonkwo, commended the state government for the initiative and pledged to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues, families and communities.
The programme also featured an interactive session where students asked questions about drug identification, prevention and the consequences of substance abuse.
The NDLEA introduced a toll-free telephone line, 080010203040, for reporting suspicious activities relating to the use, sale or transportation of illicit drugs.
(NAN)