The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and a health expert have warned students of secondary schools in Edo to steer clear of drugs and substance abuse due to their inherent dangers.

They gave the warning on Friday in Benin at a sensitisation seminar organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as part of its efforts to promote healthy living among youths in the Niger Delta.

The seminar followed a street awareness rally, which took place in Benin on Thursday.

In his presentation, Mitchell Ofoyeju, commander of the NDLEA in Edo, asserted that addiction to drugs destroyed the brain, ruined careers, and shattered lives.

Ms Ofoyeju told the students that their future depended on the choices they made.

“Young people are absolutely responsible for the outcome of their lives.

“Every drug impairs the brain and the brain is what makes you a student. If your brain stops functioning, you have no business in school. Guard it jealously,” he said.

The NDLEA commander identified cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine (ice), and synthetic cannabinoids (loud) as some of the substances commonly abused by young Nigerians.

He warned that drug abuse could lead to organ damage, psychiatric disorders, risky behaviour, road accidents, crime, imprisonment, and even premature death.

“Once you have a drug-related criminal record, it can follow you for life. It can stop you from holding political office or achieving your career dreams,” he cautioned.

On his part, Ehiagiator Adayonfo, head of Mental Health Department at the University of Benin and University of Benin Teaching Hospital, urged students to resist peer pressure and negative influences from social media.

“There is every need for students to stay away from factors that may pull them towards drug use.

“The best option is prevention. Once you step into substance abuse, it becomes very difficult to come out,” Mr Adayonfo said.

He encouraged parents and schools to promote sports, skill acquisition, and other creative engagements as alternatives that channel young people’s energy positively.

In his goodwill message, delivered by Liberty Omoruyi, who represented Patrick Aisowieren, Edo representative on the NDDC board, urged the students to remember the critical lessons from the seminar.

“The day you choose to use drugs is the day you tamper with your brain.

“And when you tamper with your brain, you could become less human because you have destroyed the organ that makes you different from other animals,” he said.

Mr Aisowieren urged them to “flee from bad company” and peer influence.

Similarly, Maureen Ekhoragbon, chairman of the Edo Senior Secondary School Education Board, commended the “Catch Them Young” initiative of the state government, stressing the need for broader community engagement.

“What you do today will determine your success tomorrow. Your teenage years are a time of investment, and what you invest in yourself today will determine what you will be tomorrow. So, invest wisely,” she told the students.

On her part, Aiyegbeni Balogun, permanent secretary, ministry of youth and humanitarian affairs, described drug abuse as “a major threat to the health, education and aspirations of our young people.”

“You are precious, carefully and wonderfully made. Do not waste the potential that the Lord has endowed you with.

”Take the lessons shared here to heart and let them guide you in resisting negative influences,” she charged the students, reaffirming the ministry’s support for initiatives that safeguard youth.

Earlier in her address of welcome, Mercy Babawale, director of NDDC in Edo, said the sensitisation campaign was part of the commission’s strategy to build healthier communities across the Niger Delta.

She said the campaign would raise awareness among secondary school students about the dangers of drug use and encourage them to make responsible lifestyle choices. 

(NAN)