The Delta State Government, at the launch on Monday, of a statewide campaign against drug abuse and the use of illicit substances in its secondary and higher schools, said it is considering the introduction of drug testing as a prerequisite for admission.
The campaign, which is being carried out by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has as its theme, “No Drugs, Healthy Living for A Greater Future”.
Speaking at its inauguration at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Monday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, cited a study published in the African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, which linked deviant behaviours such as truancy and stealing among young people in the state to illicit drug use.
He emphasised that the government was collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to implement an aggressive statewide awareness campaign against drug abuse.
“Starting from secondary schools across the state, the Drug-Free Delta campaign will also extend to institutions of higher learning.
“As the NDLEA Commander suggested, we will consider the proposal to use drug testing kits as a prerequisite for students’ admissions into higher institutions. Let me also add that we are going to include the primary schools,” Onojaeme stated.
the commissioner disclosed that the state government was working tirelessly to accelerate the completion of the rehabilitation centre at Kwale Central Hospital, which would serve as a counselling, rehabilitation and skill acquisition facility for affected individuals.
He therefore called on all stakeholders, including teachers, parents and community leaders, to join the government in its fight against drug abuse to ensure a safer and healthier society.
Earlier, the Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Oghenesivbe Latimore, explained that the campaign sought to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among young people, especially those in secondary and higher schools.
“The rising wave of drug abuse among young people is alarming. This campaign is a proactive approach to addressing the menace by educating, sensitising and empowering youths with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” Oghenesivbe noted.
He stated that the first phase of the campaign would focus on secondary schools, with subsequent phases targeting higher institutions of learning.
Similarly, the State NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Wada, outlined the command’s efforts at combating drug abuse in the state, including a reduction in supply and demand, conducting operations on cannabis farms and destruction of illicit drugs.
Wada, a lawyer, said the proposal for drug testing kits in tertiary institutions aimed to identify and provide necessary counsel and rehabilitation for affected victims.
Various stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, represented by the Majority Leader and member, representing Aniocha North constituency, Emeka Nwaobi, an engineer, delivered goodwill messages, urging students to abstain from drug abuse to safeguard their future.
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