Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has said that the war against drug abuse will fail if it targets only young people, insisting that prominent and middle-class Nigerians are also involved in the menace.
Idahosa who spoke on Saturday at the maiden Okpebholo/Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse held in Benin for secondary school students, with the theme: “Run for health! Run for life! Run against drug abuse!”
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pius Alile, said stigmatising youths alone is wrong.
“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 the prominent people in the society,” he said.
“So I want to advise that everybody must be carried along. It should be an inclusive approach.”
He described drug abuse as a major destroyer of lives in Edo State and praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for using sports to engage students.
“Drug abuse has destroyed a lot of people and particularly in Edo State where it has become something that is very rampant. It is killing our people and it is destroying our generation and our youth as well.
“There is more to life than taking drugs and that is why this race of today is a laudable one,” Idahosa added.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Drug and Illicit Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, said the administration is committed to protecting the future of the state through prevention and awareness.
“The fight against drug abuse is not only about controlling substances, it is about protecting the future of Edo State. By reducing drug abuse, we can have healthier young people, safer communities and reduced crime,” Efe said.
Earlier, Edo NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency is shifting from enforcement alone to prevention, education and youth empowerment.
Ofoyeju who said the marathon is the first of its kind in Nigeria for secondary schools, told the students they had already won by choosing a drug-free life.
“To all our students who are running today, let me assure you that you are all winners. You have chosen life over drugs. You have chosen books over methamphetamine. You have chosen sports over Tramadol and Colos and I’m proud of you,” Ofoyeju said.
“Let your schools be completely drug free. Go back to your schools and communities as WADA champions. Say no to anyone who offers you drugs,” he charged.
No fewer than 100 students from four public schools took part in the race. Edokpolor Grammar School, Benin, dominated the male category, clinching first, second and third positions.
Governor Okpebholo rewarded the winners with one-year full academic scholarships and they were decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Student Ambassadors for Edo State.
