By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has intensified its public enlightenment campaign against drug and substance abuse, taking the sensitisation drive to Oproza Grammar School and Government Model Secondary School, Patani, headquarters of Patani Local Government Area.
The campaign, held on Friday, January 30, 2026, was organised by the Department of Community Development and Public Enlightenment (CDPE) and themed “Education is No Scam.” It is being implemented under the leadership of the DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Barr. John Nani, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking at the event, the Director of CDPE, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, represented by Evelyn Utueyin, thanked the Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, for his unwavering support, noting that his commitment has elevated the sensitisation campaign across DESOPADEC mandate areas. She urged students to pay close attention to the lectures and take deliberate steps to avoid drug and substance abuse, which she described as a major threat to youth development.
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DESOPADEC takes anti-drug campaign to Oproza, Patani, warns students against substance abuse[/caption]
In her remarks, the Principal of Oproza Grammar School, Mrs. Oyeghe Beatrice, expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She thanked the Commission for selecting her school for the programme and pledged to continually reinforce the anti-drug message within the school community.
One of the resource persons, Mr. Akpo Ofere Bawo, while speaking on the theme, stressed that education remains the bedrock of societal development, equipping individuals with knowledge, skills and values that shape character and unlock opportunities. He urged students to embrace education despite challenges and reject the narrative that education is a scam.
Another resource person, Ms. Elizabeth Odusi, highlighted the dangers of drug and substance abuse, linking it to cultism, poor academic performance, social instability and psychological harm. She described the menace as not only a health concern but also a serious developmental threat, and cautioned students against actions capable of truncating their destinies.
Also present were old students of Oproza Grammar School, led by their General Secretary, Mr. Ekperi Edwin Osuo, who commended DESOPADEC for bringing the enlightenment campaign to the community. He described the intervention as timely, particularly in an era of widespread misinformation and rising drug abuse among students, and appealed to the Commission to assist the school with its dilapidated science laboratory.
The highlight of the event was a keenly contested debate between Oproza Grammar School and Government Model Secondary School, with Ikpeta Success Ebitimi, Kelly Opuana, David Omamoke, Ejomafuwe Peace and Madubese Juliet Tombra emerging as outstanding performers.
