NDDC donates learning tools to schools in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated educational tools to schools in Akwa Ibom State while campaigning against drug abuse and cultism to students and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the Dangers of Drug Abuse and Cultism during a one-day campaign at the weekend in Uyo, the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Mr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, said the revived campaign meant to sensitise youths especially secondary school students on the subject matter was intended to sustain peace in the region.

Audu-Ohwavborua said the two vices of drug abuse and cultism were destroying the promising future of the young generation and urged the youths to flee the vices so they can contribute to development.

Audu-Ohwavboua, who was represented by the Director of Youths and Sports, NDDC, Mr Offiong Ephraim said, “We decided to embark on this campaign because this is the right time to catch the young ones and tell them why they should not indulge in drug abuse.

“The problems associated with drug abuse are so enormous to quantify. We all know that even in our society people are not sure of their safety because cult activities are everywhere.

“After this seminar, if anyone approaches you to join cultism or indulge in drug abuse you should be able to say ‘no’ because of the dangers that go with these vices.

“So many people have gone haywire even mad because of drug abuse and cultism will not allow you to concentrate on your studies because if you are a member of any cult group you may likely drop out of school,” he stated.

Audu-Ohwavborua, who shared 100 educational materials including tabs and bags to students, encouraged them to help their colleagues shun the vices by becoming ambassadors and advocates of anti-cultism and drug abuse in their schools.

He encouraged them to report anybody with drug-related problems to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) or the Narcotic Unit of the commission so the victim can be rehabilitated.

While speaking on the effects of drug abuse and cultism on youths and students, Akwa Ibom State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Obot Bassey, cautioned the students against receiving gifts from strangers, adding that edible gifts might be soaked in drugs.

On his part, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko MacDon, said drug abuse and cultism were interrelated and could lead an individual to commit heinous crimes punishable by law.

He charged the students not to join bad gangs, but to focus on their studies for a better tomorrow, rather than weeping in prison due to wrong choices or decisions.

Participating student, Israel Udoh, from Government Technical College, Uyo thanked the NDDC boss for the programme and promised to be an agent of positive change in his school, while Praise Amos of Community Secondary School, Oruk Anam local government area said she learnt the reasons for refraining from drug abuse and cultism, saying she will help others stand against the vices.