By Nzesi Boniface Ossai,
In a renewed effort to tackle the growing menace of drug/substance abuse and cult-related activities among teenagers, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), through its Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, has intensified its sensitisation campaign across secondary schools in Ndokwa Nation.
The latest leg of the advocacy outreach took place on 28th November 2025 at Ebologu Grammar School, Utagba-Uno, and St. Kizito College, Utagba-Uno, where students were exposed to practical, thought-provoking guidance on the dangers of drug misuse and the long-term consequences of cultism.
During the sessions, officers from the department stressed that the campaign forms a key part of DESOPADEC’s long-term youth development strategy, designed to protect and empower young people in oil-producing communities. They noted that drug abuse and cultism have become significant health and social threats that undermine education, community development, and the psychological wellbeing of adolescents.
Head of the Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, explained that the sensitisation exercise was carried out under the mandate of the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman of DESOPADEC Board, Olorogun Obukowho John Nani; MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor; and the Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor.
She commended Comrade Esumike Harrison Nnamdi, Principal of Ebologu Grammar School, and Chief Ossai A. John, Vice Principal of St. Kizito College, for mobilising their students for the awareness programme.
Delivering a goodwill message, the MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor, urged students to take the message seriously and actively resist the lure of drugs and cultism. According to him, "Drug abuse destroys potentials. It weakens the mind, damages health, and cultism equally robs bright young people of the opportunity to become their best selves. But each of you seated here carries a unique gift, a talent the world is waiting for. Your families, your community and indeed our State are depending on you to rise and shine."
At both schools, facilitators Ms. Elizabeth Odisu and Ms. Honeywell Eburajolor conducted interactive sessions covering the common pathways to drug misuse, peer pressure, cult influence, prostitution, emotional stressors, and the wider impact of addiction on families and society. The team encouraged students to embrace discipline, positive peer influence, and purposeful living as protective tools against harmful behaviours.
School administrators and teachers at Ebologu Grammar School and St. Kizito College expressed appreciation to DESOPADEC for prioritising their schools in the sensitisation campaign, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. They appealed to the Commission to sustain the programme for the benefit of the younger generation.
Many students also expressed gratitude, noting that the interactive sessions shed light on issues they had previously overlooked or misunderstood.
DESOPADEC has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the sensitisation campaign across schools and communities within its mandate areas, with the goal of building healthier, well-informed communities and empowering young people to make responsible life choices.
