NDLEA And HEPPWAS Urge Students to Stay Away from Drug Abuse

A non-governmental organisation, Health Promotion for People With Addiction and Suicide (HEPPWAS), has collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Rotary Club of Yenagoa City Centre, and Damaris Hotel and Suites to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse.

More than 100 senior secondary school students of Government Secondary School, Obogoro, took part in the awareness programme on Tuesday. The event, themed “Sensitisation on Substance Use and Its Impacts on Youths’ Brain,” focused on the physical and behavioural consequences of drug misuse.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of HEPPWAS, Prof. Izebeloko Jack Ibe, who is also a professor of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing at Niger Delta University, explained the damaging effects of drugs on the brain. Ibe, an indigene of Obogoro community, encouraged the students to pursue excellence despite challenges, noting that the brain does not regenerate once damaged.

She emphasised that certain behavioural issues in young people, such as stubbornness and disrespect, are often linked to substance abuse.

The NDLEA Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Mr. Godwin Erepa, highlighted substances such as ice, fentanyl, cannabis, and local gin (ogogoro), warning that drug misuse contributes to crime, domestic violence, and other social problems.

Another Obogoro native, Dr. Pawei Igodo, also advised the students to avoid drugs and concentrate on their education, reinforcing the harmful neurological effects of substance abuse.

HEPPWAS Executive Secretary, Mr. Ben Ibe, noted that an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians use drugs, a situation he said is contributing to rising insecurity nationwide.

The owner of Damaris Hotel and Suites, Dr. Boma Spero-Jack—who also serves as a security adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri—urged the students to take the teachings seriously.

The Principal of Government Secondary School, Obogoro, Mrs. Dick Agbeyen, expressed gratitude to the organisers, suggesting that drug education should be formally included in the school curriculum.

A student, Awake Dufaye Daniel, said the sensitisation programme was eye-opening, adding that he now understands the effects of drug abuse and misuse on the brain.