Delta Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, has voiced concerns over rising cases of illicit drug use among youths in the state.
He said his administration aims to curb the menace in the state through campaigns and rehabilitation strategies, including the reintegration into society via wealth and job creation programmes under the administration’s MORE agenda.
Oborevwori who spoke, yesterday, in a Delta Broadcasting Service live radio programme, said he is committed to the well-being of citizens and would do whatever it takes to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of illegal drugs in the state.
Speaking through an aide, Dr Wilfred Oghenesivbe disclosed that the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has officially indicated interest in partnering with the State Orientation Bureau.
He added that the synergy shall, to a large extent, reduce the menace, if not completely eradicate it from the state.
Oghenesivbe assured that the Bureau’s campaign shall cut across the three senatorial districts; Delta Central, Delta North, and Delta South, and that the anti-drug agency’s personnel would expose the dangers of the use of illicit drugs and the legal implications.
He said the state government under the social security and citizens welfare programmes will rehabilitate drug addicts and enroll 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 sensitisation exercise with NDLEA.
He said, “I can tell you for free that the state government and the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. 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. And am happy to inform you and 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 the area of sensitisation to reduce or eradicate the unfortunate menace.
“We are targeting Colleges and Institutions of higher learning in the state. We shall be on 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 obviously a crime to use illegal drugs. The laws are there and very potent.
“Government cherishes the life of every Deltans and is very much interested to see the consistent progress of our youth across the three senatorial districts. It’s 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 drinks alcohol. In that respect, he would do anything lawful and reasonable to help drive the campaign to a logical conclusion.
“That’s what Advancing Delta is all about. It’s about saving lives, about the prosperity and wellbeing of Deltans. It’s about good governance in all ramifications”.
