A passionate appeal has been made to students in Delta State and indeed Nigeria, to steer clear of illicit drugs and substance abuse, as traces can be detected in the human bloodstream for up to 90 days after exposure.

The Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta Command, Mr. Silas Osagie, issued the warning on Thursday while addressing students in Delta.

The privileged students selected for the sensitization were from Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa; Dein Palace Secondary School, Agbor; and Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku, in Delta North Senatorial District.

This was part of the state-wide ?Drug Free Delta? campaign, an initiative of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau in collaboration with the NDLEA.

He emphasized the need for students to focus on their studies, avoid bad company, and report all cases of illicit drugs and substance abuse to their school authorities.

He also encouraged students to participate actively in War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) club activities established in their schools.

Osagie informed the students that due to the alarming national statistics on drug abuse among Nigerian youth, the Delta State government, through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau (SOCB), in partnership with the NDLEA, decided to bring the ?Drug Free Delta? awareness campaign to them.

The Director-General of SOCB, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, reiterated Governor Oborevwori?s commitment to achieving a ?Drug Free Delta? as a cornerstone of his agenda for meaningful development and enhanced security, encapsulated in his MORE Agenda, which is being fully implemented across the state.

He stressed that remaining drug-free was crucial for students to fully benefit from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori?s good governance strides. He warned that drug abuse and the use of illicit substances could prematurely destroy their dreams and aspirations.

?Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deeply cares for your well-being. He has entrusted the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau to deliver this message of hope and empowerment: choose a drug-free path and unlock your full potential,? he charged.

The NDLEA officer, Mr. Osagie, corroborated the state government?s good intentions in the ongoing ?Drug Free Delta? campaign by engaging the students in a discussion about the differences between licit and illicit drugs. He shared a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of accepting unknown substances from friends and relatives.

?A 15-year-old girl lost her virginity after unknowingly consuming Rohypnol. The drug clouded her judgment, rendering her vulnerable to exploitation,? he alluded.

Mr. Osagie further elaborated on the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, explaining that traces of drugs can remain detectable in an individual?s bloodstream for up to 90 days after exposure.

?This is why abstaining from drugs, except those prescribed by a medical professional, is essential,? he stressed.

A moving moment occurred when a student voluntarily disclosed her involvement in selling drugs, revealing the influence of her stepmother and a friend.

This courageous act underscored the campaign?s impact, prompting a path for intervention and support.

Mr. Festus Ngozi Nweke, the Principal of Owa Model Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to the state government and Governor Oborevwori for prioritizing the well-being of Delta?s youth.

He pledged to reinforce the ?Drug Free Delta? message and strengthen the school?s ?War Against Drug Abuse? (WADA) club, empowering students to become proactive advocates for a drug-free society.

The principals of Dein Palace Secondary School and Obiaruku Grammar School, Messrs. Peter Obuseh and Enemuwe Azubuike, respectively, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a drug-free learning environment.

Looking ahead, the ?Drug Free Delta? campaign team will continue their sensitization activities on Monday, February 10, 2025. (Nigerian Tribune)