NDLEA Takes Anti-Drug Campaign to Imo School, Urges Students to Reject Substance Abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the Nsokpo Dynamic Association, has intensified efforts to combat substance abuse among young people by educating students of Presentation Secondary School, Ogbaku, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on the dangers of illicit drug use.

The sensitisation programme formed part of activities marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26 to promote global cooperation in preventing drug abuse and combating illicit drug trafficking.

Speaking during the event, President of the Nsokpo Dynamic Association, Mark Onyejiaka, said the initiative was aimed at equipping students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and avoid the dangers associated with substance abuse.

According to him, exposing young people to the consequences of drug abuse early in life remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing addiction, reducing youth involvement in crime and promoting responsible lifestyles.

"The future belongs to these young people. By educating them now, we are helping them make choices that will protect their health, their dreams and the future of society," Onyejiaka said.

Also speaking, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Chiamaka Ugbe of the NDLEA Imo State Command warned that drug abuse continues to pose serious health, social and economic challenges for individuals, families and communities.

She urged the students to resist peer pressure, shun illicit substances and become advocates of the anti-drug campaign within their schools and neighbourhoods.

Ugbe stressed that winning the fight against drug abuse requires collective responsibility, calling on parents, teachers, religious organisations, community leaders and government institutions to work together in protecting young people from substance abuse.

She noted that awareness campaigns remain a vital component of the agency's preventive strategy, particularly among secondary school students who are often vulnerable to experimentation and peer influence.

According to global estimates cited during the programme, about 316 million people aged between 15 and 64 use drugs worldwide, while national estimates indicate that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians, representing 14.4 per cent of the population within the same age bracket, abuse psychoactive substances.

The figures underscore the growing need for sustained public education, early intervention and stronger community participation in addressing the challenge of drug abuse.

The organisers expressed optimism that continuous sensitisation programmes in schools would help reduce substance abuse among young people and contribute to building healthier, safer and more productive communities across the country.