The Edo command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Saturday in Benin, inaugurated a mini marathon to engage secondary school students in the fight against drug abuse.

The marathon, organised in collaboration with the Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC), attracted more than 100 students from four public secondary schools in the state.

The race was tagged “Maiden Okpebholo-Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse”, with the theme “Running Against Drug Abuse”.

The participating schools were Edokpolo Grammar School, Ogbe Secondary School, Oba Akenzua Secondary School, and Oba Ewuare Grammar School.

The race started at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, passed through King Square, also known as Ring Road, and ended at the creative hub.

Flagging off the run, the deputy governor of Edo, Dennis Idahosa, represented by his deputy chief of staff, Pius Alile, commended NDLEA and ESDCC for the initiative.

Mr Idahosa described the programme as an investment in the future of Edo youths.

According to him, the state government remains committed to youth development and the creation of a drug-free society.

The deputy governor announced that Governor Monday Okpebholo had approved one-year full academic scholarships for the first, second and third-place winners.

Also, the commander of NDLEA in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the marathon as historic.

He said the event was the first of its kind in Nigeria, dedicated solely to secondary school students in the campaign against drug abuse.

“We are running because drug abuse is destroying our children, the youth and even elders. It destroys the brain, the body, and the dreams of our young people.

“The fight against drugs is not limited to arrest and enforcement alone, but a balanced approach that engages our youths positively through sports, education, and empowerment programmes.

“A healthy body is a drug-free body,” he said.

Mr Ofoyeju said the initiative was designed to use sports and physical fitness to engage students positively while promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

He added that the marathon could also serve as a platform for identifying sporting talents at the grassroots.

Mr Ofoyeju commended Mr Okpebholo and the NDLEA chairman/chief executive officer, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), for their commitment to youth development and the campaign against drug abuse.

Addressing the student-athletes, Mr Ofoyeju urged them to become advocates for a drug-free lifestyle in their schools and communities.

“To all our students who are running today, you are all winners. Whether you come first or last, you have made an unequivocal statement.

“You have chosen life over drugs, you have chosen books over methamphetamine, and you have chosen sports over tramadol and colos. I am proud of you,” the NDLEA boss said.

He urged the students to reject drugs when offered and encourage peers struggling with substance abuse to seek help.

The commander also acknowledged the support of security agencies, government ministries, the Edo Sports Commission and school principals who contributed to the event.

On his part, senior special assistant to Mr Okpebholo on drug policy, Andrew Efe, urged the students to take the anti-drug message back to their schools and communities.

Mr Efe said the marathon would be sustained as an annual event, describing it as a platform for physical fitness, talent discovery, and grassroots sports development.

“We decided to do something novel that will resonate with the students.

“This marathon also serves as a platform to recreate, engage in physical fitness exercise and a talent hunt for grassroots sports development.

“Through these, great athletes and Olympic champions could be identified, while inculcating in students the values of a drug-free lifestyle,” he said.

The first three positions were won by students of Edokpolo Grammar School.

Senior Secondary School (SSS) Three student Ojie Victor emerged first, while Osamende Bright and Chambaivi Miracle, both SSS Two students, placed second and third, respectively.

The three winners were decorated as War Against Drug Abuse Student Ambassadors.

The first-place winner will also receive free registration for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, in addition to the one-year academic scholarship.

The maiden marathon ended with the call: “Run for health! Run for life! Run against drug abuse!” 

(NAN)