By USMAN ALIYU

The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Edo Government on Thursday launched the Gov. Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon for secondary schools in the state.

Speaking at a news conference in Benin to flag-off the event, NDLEA Commander in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said one of the agenda was promoting healthy lifestyles and drug-free society among young people.

“It is also a demonstration of the command and state government’s commitment to student empowerment.”

According to him, the endemic problem of drug abuse has permeated the Nigerian societal fabrics; thus requiring innovative programmes that resonate with the vulnerable young population.

He said that students liked recreation; and therefore sports were a positive way of attracting them to cultivate and engage in anti-drug abuse values.

“Interestingly, while they are enjoying the fun, the winners stand to win fantastic prizes.

“The gold medalist for the first position will get two million naira while the silver medalist for the second place gets N1.5 million and the bronze medal attracts one million naira,” he said.

The competition, he said, would hold in phases across Edo South, Central, and North senatorial districts.

He asserted that the maiden edition, covering all secondary schools in Edo South, would take place on Oct. 4.

“The race is open to students aged 13 to 17 from public and private schools.

“It will start at King’s Square and end at Kada Junction along Benin–Sapele Road.”

Registration is free and will close on Tuesday, Sept. 30, via https://bit.ly/ndleaedo.

“Participation is a subscription for physical fitness and building a supportive community around healthy choices,” Ofoyeju noted.

According to the NDLEA boss, the marathon aims to instill lifelong habits of fitness, promote well-being, and raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

“In the long term, we are building a generation of future marathon race champions like the Kenyans and Ethiopians.

“Schools will have the opportunity to rally around their students, building team spirit and pride,” he said.

He added that the second and third phases would hold in Edo Central and Edo North respectively, before rotating back to Edo South. (NAN)