NAS marks World Drug Day with school outreach in Bayelsa
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse through an awareness campaign in secondary schools across Bayelsa State.
Members of the Oxbow Marino Deck commemorated the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an educational outreach at Community Secondary School, Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa.
The event was held under the global theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
*NAS marks World Drug Day with school outreach in Bayelsa
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse through an awareness campaign in secondary schools across Bayelsa State.
Members of the Oxbow Marino Deck commemorated the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an educational outreach at Community Secondary School, Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa.
The event was held under the global theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Speaking during the programme, the Steerer of Oxbow Marino Deck, Chief Douglas Etulankimor Sampson, said the initiative was in line with the association’s commitment to promoting humanistic ideals.
He stressed that illicit drug abuse remains a major societal challenge and called for collective action to protect young people from substance abuse.
Sampson also reaffirmed NAS’s readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to build a healthier and safer society for future generations.
The programme featured presentations by Dr Emmanuel Adu of the Department of Mental Health, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, and Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Mr Godwin Erepa of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bayelsa Command.
The speakers highlighted the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including the increasing incidence of mental health disorders among teenagers.
They identified peer pressure, poor parental supervision, lack of discipline and academic challenges as key factors contributing to substance abuse among young people.
More than 50 students from JSS1 to SS3 participated in the interactive session, which focused on prevention, awareness and responsible decision-making.
The Principal of Community Secondary School, Agudama-Epie, Mrs Hilda Osunu, expressed appreciation to NAS and the guest speakers for the enlightening engagement.
She said the programme had equipped students with practical knowledge about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making positive life choices.
Teachers and other participants described the outreach as a timely and impactful contribution to efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse in Bayelsa State.
