OKPEBHOLO, EDO NDLEA , STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR INNOVATIVE RESPONSES AGAINST DRUGS

 OKPEBHOLO, EDO NDLEA , STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR INNOVATIVE RESPONSES AGAINST DRUGS

...... AS STUDENTS WIN AWARDS IN ESSAY ,  QUIZ COMPETITIONS

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, and other stakeholders have called for innovative responses in addressing the agelong problem of drug trafficking and abuse. This position was unanimously adopted by stakeholders who gathered at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, June 26. 

The theme for this year, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses", resonated throughout the event, as speakers emphasised the critical need for innovative and collaborative approaches to tackle drug trafficking and abuse in both the state and the nation.

His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo stressed his commitment to establishing zero tolerance for drug trafficking in Edo State. “When drug traffickers think they are clever in crime, we will make them understand that we are more innovative in justice delivery. Edo State will not be safe for drug trafficking and substance abuse. If you bring drugs into this state, we will find you. We will seize your drugs, and you will face the full weight of the law. There will be no hiding place and no sacred cow.”

The governor, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Honourable Andrew Efe, added that a collaborative approach is vital in winning the drug war. 

“This fight cannot be won by government and NDLEA alone. Prevention starts at home. Let us talk to our children at home, in churches and mosques. Schools and faith institutions should make anti-drug education part of the moral curriculum. The Edo State government is funding youth empowerment and skills programmes for our young people. This is aimed at making them productive entrepreneurs who will create wealth and contribute to the economy,” Okpebholo noted.

Commander Mitchell highlighted the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and abuse. He reiterated the complexities of the drug landscape, noting the rise of synthetic drugs, the role of the dark web, and the need for a multi-faceted response from various stakeholders.

"We cannot ignore the push factors of ignorance, poverty, unemployment, and peer pressure that drive many of our youth toward drugs," Mitchell said, urging parents and communities to take proactive measures to safeguard the younger generation. The commander shared impressive midyear statistics of drug control efforts in the State.

“The Edo State command arrested 289 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 176 males and 113 females, with a seizure of 35,008.38kgs of drugs, comprising 14,705.31kgs of drugs seized and 20,303.07kgs of cannabis destroyed in plantations. A total of 52 drug traffickers were convicted, made up of 47 males and 5 females. Also, 135 persons with drug abuse problems received counselling services comprising 101 males and 34 females. In addition, 33 anti-drug abuse sensitisation programmes were equally conducted for 6,092 participants.” Mitchell added that the command is committed to making Edo State a hostile environment for drug traffickers.

Her Excellency, Mrs Edesili Anani Okpebholo, the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, echoed the urgency of the situation. She spoke candidly about the pain and despair caused by drug abuse in families, urging an evolution in the strategies used to combat drug-related issues.

“We must also confront a new and insidious challenge. The battlefield is no longer limited to our borders and highways. It has entered the phones and bedrooms of our children through the very tools of social media. If we continue to fight with yesterday’s methods, we will lose today’s youth. Our response must be smarter, not just louder,” the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government barrister Nimata Umar Ikhilor, warned, advocating for more adaptable strategies to overcome the drug problem that has infiltrated the digital spaces occupied by young people.

Miss Edo International 2026, Bossey Vivian, also took the stage, passionately voicing the need for societal change to combat drug abuse. “Drug abuse cuts across age, gender, and social status, leaving devastating effects on individuals and families. I will use my voice to address issues that affect families,” she stated. Vivian announced her initiative aimed at creating awareness and empowering young people to make informed decisions about substance use, emphasising the importance of collective effort in this fight.

There were goodwill messages from the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, among others. Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) drug control club from Ikpoba Okha presented a playlet on drug abuse prevention. 

Students who won the NDLEA 2026 essay and quiz competitions were presented with awards. Jeniko Idonije Blessed of Pioneer Education Centre School 1 won the first position in the essay competition. The second position was won by David Favour of Inomwan Foundation, while Onaiwi Annie Esosa of Mesh School won the third position. 

Pioneer Education Center School 1 won the first position in the quiz competition, while the second place was clinched by Pioneer Education Center School 2, and the third place was taken by Inomwan Foundation Schools.

The event concluded with a call to arms, emphasising unity and shared responsibility in combating drug abuse and trafficking.