Delta to partner NDLEA in fight against drug abuse

The Delta State Government has concluded arrangements to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on a campaign against the use of illegal drugs in the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau and Executive Assistant on Communications to the state governor, Wilfred Oghenesivbe disclosed this on Saturday while featuring on a radio programme.

Oghenesivbe maintained that “the present administration in Delta State has zero tolerance for anything which can lead to physical, social or emotional harm to the citizen”.

“The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has officially indicated interest to partner with Delta State Orientation Bureau in the area of sensitization to reduce or eradicate the unfortunate menace.

“The State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to the wellbeing of citizens, and would do whatever it takes to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of illegal drugs across the three Senatorial Districts of the State”.

“In order to curb the menace in the State, multifaceted campaigns and rehabilitation strategies shall be adopted by the government, and which may include upscaling of arrests and prosecution of unrepentant users and sellers, rehabilitation of drug addicts and reintegration into society via wealth and job creation programmes under the MORE agenda of Governor Oborevwori,” he said.

He added, “A state government under the social security and citizens welfare programmes encapsulated in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda, shall do the needful, subject to availability of funds, to rehabilitate drug addicts and enrol them into the wealth and job creation programmes, as they willingly or voluntarily submit themselves for government assistance during and after the Bureau’s joint sensitization exercise with NDLEA.

“The state government and the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, take the issue of substance abuse and use of illegal drugs very seriously.

“Campaign against drug abuse and use of illegal drugs shall be given prime attention. I am happy to inform Deltans that the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has officially indicated interest to partner with Delta State Orientation Bureau in sensitization to reduce or eradicate the unfortunate menace.”

He noted that the campaign is targeted at students of tertiary institutions.

“We are targeting Colleges and Institutions of higher learning in the State. We shall be on the ground at various campuses with NDLEA officials to articulate the dangers of illicit drugs and substance abuse, as well as the criminal elements and prosecution associated with the crime. It is a crime to use illegal drugs. The laws are there and very potent.

“Government cherishes the life of every Deltan and is very much interested to see the consistent progress of our youth across the three senatorial districts. It is a good and wise investment to talk our youth out of drug abuse and the use of illegal drugs.

“More importantly, the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, neither smokes nor drink alcohol. In that respect, he would do anything lawful and reasonable to help drive the campaign to a logical conclusion.

“That is what Advancing Delta is all about. It is about saving lives, about the prosperity and wellbeing of Deltans. It is about good governance in all ramifications,” he stated