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Delta State Government is worried about the reported escalating cases of use of psychoactive substance and illegal drugs among youth population in the country, which can lead to physical, social or emotional harm.

To curb the menace in the state, multifaceted campaigns and rehabilitation strategies shall be adopted by government, which may include up scaling of arrests and prosecution of unrepentant users and sellers, rehabilitation of drug addicts, and reintegration into society via wealth and job creation programmes under the MORE agenda of governor Oborevwori.

Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, and Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor, Dr Wilfred Oghenesivbe, disclosed on Saturday during a public affairs live radio programme, that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, is committed to the well being of citizens, and would do whatever it takes to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of illegal drugs across the three Senatorial Districts.

He disclosed that the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has officially indicated interest to partner with the State Orientation Bureau, in the area of sensitization of youth on the life threatening consequences of substance abuse and use of illegal drugs, adding that the synergy shall, to a large extent, reduce the menace, if not completely eradicated from the state.

Oghenesivbe assured that the Bureau’s campaign shall cut across the three senatorial districts; Delta Central, Delta North and Delta South, and that the NDLEA’s personnel would be on ground to professionally articulate the dangers of use of illicit drugs and the legal implications, as well as other unpleasant consequences.

He said the state government under the social security and citizens welfare Programmes encapsulated in governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda, shall do the needful, subject to availability of funds, to rehabilitate drug addicts and enrol them into the wealth and job creation Programmes, as they willingly or voluntarily submit themselves for government assistance during and after the Bureau’s joint sensitization exercise with NDLEA.

“To answer your question, I can tell you for free that the state government and the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, takes the issue of substance abuse and use of illegal drugs very seriously.

“Campaign against drug abuse and use of illegal drugs shall be given prime attention. And am happy to inform you and Deltans that the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has officially indicated interest to partner with Delta State Orientation Bureau, in the area of sensitization to reduce or eradicate the unfortunate menace.

“We are targeting Colleges and Institutions of higher learning in the state. We shall be on ground at various campuses with NDLEA officials to articulate the dangers of illicit drugs and substance abuse, as well as the criminal elements and prosecution associated with the crime. It is obviously a crime to use illegal drugs. The laws are there and very potent.

“Government cherishes the life of every Deltans, and very much interested to see the consistent progress of our youth across the three senatorial districts. It’s a good and wise investment to talk our youth out of drug abuse and use of illegal drugs.

“More importantly, the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, neither smoke nor drink alcohol. In that respect, he would do anything lawful and reasonable to help drive the campaign to a logical conclusion.

“That’s what Advancing Delta is all about. It’s about saving lives, about the prosperity and wellbeing of Deltans. It’s about good governance in all ramifications,” Oghenesivbe said.