The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has intensified its campaign against social vices and anti-education sentiments among youths with the continuation of its “School Is No Scam” sensitisation programme at Otu-Jeremi Secondary School in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The campaign, organised by the Commission’s Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, brought together students, teachers, and stakeholders in a renewed push to discourage cultism, drug abuse, and the growing misconception among youths that education is meaningless.
Addressing students during the programme on Tuesday, the Head of Department, Community Development and Public Enlightenment, Mrs Chinenye Ezonfade, represented by the Divisional Head of Public Enlightenment, Mrs Etume Okeoghene, said DESOPADEC remained committed to redirecting the minds of young people towards education, discipline, and productive living.
“The Commission’s intervention is clear because we care, and our purpose and intention are to safeguard the future of our youths through the ‘School Is No Scam’ campaign,” she stated.
She commended the DESOPADEC Board, led by Chairman, John Obukokwho Nani, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Festus Ochonogor, for sustaining the sensitisation initiative across the Commission’s mandate areas.
Mrs. Okeoghene also urged participating students to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting the message among their peers and resisting negative influences capable of destroying their future.
Earlier, the Principal of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School, Mrs. Obokeno Emily, praised DESOPADEC for what she described as a timely and impactful intervention against moral decadence among youths.
“I want to thank you and the Board of DESOPADEC for this initiative. It is timely, considering the social vices and moral decadence ravaging society. This is a wake-up call to save our youths from the dangerous notion that ‘School is a Scam,” she said.
She further appealed to government agencies and non-governmental organisations to emulate DESOPADEC by investing in youth-focused enlightenment campaigns aimed at restoring societal values.
The event featured a debate competition between students of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School and Igwreka Technical College on the topic: “School Is No Scam.”
At the end of the keenly contested debate, Miss Success Onojode of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School emerged the winner, while Miss Emmanuella Eloho came second. Consolation prizes were also presented to participants from Igwreka Technical College, including Tekevwe John Oghene, Jessica Onovughe, and Anna Oghenekome.
Resource persons at the event, Mr. James Adjevabor and Honeywell Eburajolo of the Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, delivered lectures on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and substance addiction, while highlighting the long-term benefits of education and positive social values.
They encouraged students to remain disciplined, focused, and determined to resist societal pressures capable of derailing their future ambitions.
The programme climaxed with the presentation of educational materials, including school bags and notebooks, to participating contestants.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Mrs. Frances Onduku, Divisional Head, Culture and Tourism; Mr. Christopher Utuama, Otu-Jeremi Area Office Coordinator; and Mrs. Ejovi Patience, Vice Principal of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School, among others.
