Edo State, NDLEA Launch Drug Abuse Campaign in Schools

On Wednesday, the Edo State government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), initiated a drug abuse campaign targeting schools. The campaign, led by Mitchel Ofoyeju, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Andrew Ef, aimed to raise awareness among students about the dangers of substance abuse, including memory loss, poor judgment, and mental health disorders.

This outreach is part of the preparations for the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26. Ofoyeju addressed students at the Nigerian College in Benin City, comparing the effects of drugs to a virus that damages brain development until the age of 25.

He outlined three consequences of drug abuse and introduced the "Five Ds" strategy to resist drugs. The event concluded with 300 students chanting a pledge against drug use.

Governor Ef reiterated the administration's zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and urged students to report any drug offers.