NDLEA and Edo State Launch Anti-Drug Marathon for Youth

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo state command, has intensified its anti-drug campaign by organizing the maiden edition of the Okpebholo and Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse. This initiative aimed to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage substance abuse among secondary school students in Edo State.

NDLEA Edo state Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the marathon as a pioneering event in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of engaging youth through sports, education, and empowerment to prevent drug abuse. The marathon identified promising athletes while instilling values of a drug-free lifestyle.

Winners in both male and female categories received one-year full academic scholarships and were named WADA student ambassadors for Edo State. Ofoyeju acknowledged the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo and Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) in this initiative.

Deputy Chief of Staff Pius Alile praised the program for providing productive alternatives to drug use and stressed the need for its sustainability and expansion.