The Edo State Government has raised the alarm over the rising rate of drug and substance abuse in the state, saying the menace has destroyed the lives of many citizens.
DAILY POST reports that the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, raised the alarm on Saturday while flagging off the maiden edition of the Governor Monday Okpebholo/Buba Marwa ‘Mini-Marathon Race Against Drug Abuse’ for secondary school students in the state.
The marathon, with the theme, Run for Health, Run for Life, Run Against Drug Abuse’, was organised by the Edo State Command of the NDLEA.
Idahosa, who was represented by Pius Alile, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, said drug and substance abuse was no longer limited to youths but also affects the elderly.
“Drug abuse has destroyed many lives, particularly in Edo State, where it has become rampant.
“Drug abuse is not an issue for our young people alone. Our young people should not be labelled in that direction. Drug abuse is related to all ages.
“There are drug abusers among the middle class and even drug abusers among prominent people in society. So I want to advise that everybody must be carried along. It should be an inclusive approach,” he said.
Idahosa, who commended the NDLEA for organising the event, called for its sustenance, noting that continuous sensitisation of residents through initiatives such as sports would go a long way in reducing the menace of drug abuse.
“I want to thank the NDLEA and the Executive Governor for supporting this initiative because it is not only sensitisation and enlightenment but also a way of understanding that there is more to life than taking drugs. That is why this race today is a laudable one.
“I also want to advise that we continue with this kind of programme and make it more inclusive so that participation will be more widespread. I can also see that a lot of resources should be committed to it because it is killing our people, destroying our generation and destroying our youth as well,” he added.
Earlier, in his address, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, who also expressed concern over the rampant cases of drug abuse in the state, noted that the fight against the menace was not limited to arrests and enforcement.
Ofoyeju said the fight thrives on multiple fronts, including engaging youths positively through sports, education and empowerment programmes.
While noting that a healthy body is a drug-free body, he said the command decided to organise the race, which he described as the first of its kind to be organised by any NDLEA command in the country.
“We decided to do something today that will resonate with the students. This race presents a platform for us to identify talents, and that is why we target a talent hunt in grassroots sports development.
“Ultimately, we are running today, and as the children are having fun, we are equally identifying great athletes who will become Olympic champions tomorrow as we inculcate in them strong values of a drug-free lifestyle.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA), the Edo State Command and the Edo State Drug Control Committee are deeply committed to drug abuse-free schools and communities,” he stated.
Ofoyeju also commended the Chairman of the NDLEA and the Edo State Governor for showing uncommon passion for youth development and a drug-free society.
He said over 100 students from four public schools in the state participated in the competition.
At the end of the race, Ojie Victor, an SS3 student of Edokpolor Grammar School, emerged the overall winner, while Bright Osemwingie, also an SS3 student, and Chamberlain Miracle, an SS2 student of the same school, emerged as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
The awardees, who were offered one-year full academic scholarships by the governor, were also decorated as War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, Ambassadors for Edo State by the state command of the agency.
“As ambassadors, they will also carry our message to their schools, their communities and even on social media. A message of truth and a message of hope that you can be a champion and actualise your goals without getting involved in drugs.
“You have chosen books over methamphetamine. You have chosen sports over Tramadol and Colos, and I’m proud of you. My charge to you today is simple. Go back to your schools and communities as WADA champions. Say no to anyone who offers you drugs. Encourage your friends who are involved to quit,” he advised.
In his remarks, Andrew Efe, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug and Illicit Trafficking Control, said the state government had continued to support initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse.
