By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: The Director-General of Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its recent achievements in the fight against hard drugs in the state, describing the agency’s efforts as “commendable and strategic in curbing youth addiction and street-level trafficking.”
Speaking in a statement issued in Asaba on Friday, Dr Oghenesivbe hailed the leadership of NDLEA Zonal Commander in Delta, Abubakar Wada (Esq), for the agency’s successful operations leading to the seizure of large quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances. He noted that the command’s efforts have contributed significantly to the decline in drug-related offences in Delta through the arrest and prosecution of 322 suspects and the rehabilitation of several addicts.
“Our collaboration with NDLEA, under the proactive leadership of Commander Wada, continues to yield results,” Oghenesivbe stated. “Their commitment to Delta State’s anti-drug war is visible in their tireless operations, community engagements and inter-agency partnerships.”
He attributed part of the success to the support provided by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently donated new Hilux vans and other logistics to NDLEA and security agencies across the state. According to him, these resources have made it easier to intercept drug movements and crack down on inter-state syndicates.
Oghenesivbe also praised the agency’s role in the “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) initiative and the establishment of anti-drug clubs in secondary schools. “The presence of WADA clubs in our schools has been crucial in sensitizing young people about the dangers of drug abuse. This is where the real war begins — in the minds of our children,” he said.
As part of the next phase of the state’s “Drug Free Delta” campaign, Oghenesivbe disclosed that plans are underway to expand sensitization efforts to 68 more schools, universities, and tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts of the state. This phase, he said, is designed to intensify awareness at the grassroots and higher education levels.
“The second phase will build on the foundation we’ve laid. We aim to reach more students, educate them about the devastating consequences of substance abuse, and help them become ambassadors of a drug-free society,” he added.
He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to maintain peace and security through proactive drug control measures, saying, “Governor Oborevwori is deeply committed to tackling the root causes of insecurity and social decay, and drug abuse is one of them. That is why this campaign is a cornerstone of his peace and development agenda.”
The Bureau urged stakeholders, parents, and communities to support the campaign and strengthen local vigilance against drug trafficking and abuse.