Copyright leadership
In a proactive effort to combat substance abuse among the youths, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with an NGO known as JO’BELLE Crescent Global, has organised a sensitisation rally for secondary school students in Ondo State. The event, which was themed ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse’, included an awareness march along major routes in Akure, Ondo State capital, and featured health talks, counseling sessions, and the distribution of notebooks, caps, and T-shirts to several schools. Participating institutions included Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Alagbaka Secondary School, Ijapo High School, Aquinas College, Oyemekun Grammar School, CAC Grammar School, Muslim Secondary School, Commercial Secondary School, Omoluorogbo Secondary School, and St. Michael Secondary School, among others. The rally saw remarkable participation from secondary schools, representatives from the State’s Ministry of Education, non-governmental organisations, security agencies, and members of the general public. It was a significant effort in creating widespread awareness and mobiliaing community support in the fight against substance abuse. At various schools, the coordinator of JO’BELLE Crescent Global, Sir Ovie Mathias, addressed students and emphasised the importance of education and the dangers of drug abuse. He expressed deep concern over the rising prevalence of substance abuse, particularly among secondary school students. He thanked the students for their participation and stressed, “Youths are being lured into substance abuse, which severely affects their mental health and can lead to deteriorating physical health and, in some cases, loss of life.” Mathias continued, “It is crucial that we sensitize our youth, particularly students who are often susceptible to peer pressure, to the dangers of drug use. You must be role models who demonstrate that a life without drugs is full of possibilities.” Mr. Nazing Sallah, the Ondo State NDLEA Commandant, highlighted the alarming connection between substance abuse and rising mental health issues, as well as declines in academic performance. He warned that if immediate action was not taken, the future of many young individuals would be at grave risk. He elaborated on the negative effects substances can have on individuals and cautioned against experimenting with drugs. Sallah emphasised the collective responsibility involved in the drug trade, stating, “Everyone involved, from cultivators to traffickers, contributes to this harmful cycle.” He urged attendees to recognize the signs of drug abuse and remain vigilant in addressing this critical issue and say no to drug abuse. The event underscored the need for continued education and community engagement to protect the youths from the dangers of drug use and to foster a healthier, more informed society.
