Drugs: NDLEA, Okpebholo partner against trafficking, abuse among students

As part of strategic policies towards fighting drug abuses and trafficking among the youths, the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in collaboration with the state government has flagged off the Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon race for secondary schools students.

the NDLEA State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju flagged off the 3.5 kilometres Mini Marathon race after a press briefing as part of activities lined up for the competition on Thursday in Benin City.

Ofoyeju, who said the competition is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Edo State noted that it is open for students of both the public and private secondary school of between 13 and 17 years old.

He said fantastic star prizes of between N2 million and N1 million are up for grab by the overall winner, first and second runner-ups respectively.

He said the novel initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda aimed at early intervention by promoting healthy lifestyles and combating drug abuse among young people.

He also said that the initiative was a demonstration of the Command and State government’s commitment to student empowerment.

The Edo State NDLEA Commander, who said the theme of the competition is “Edo Students Running Against Drug Trafficking and Abuse”, opined that the exercise also aimed to instill lifelong habits of fitness and promote overall well-being.

According to him, the endemic problem of drug abuse has permeated our societal fabrics thus requiring innovative programmes that resonate with the vulnerable young population.

“Students like recreation and sports, is a positive way of attracting them to cultivate and engage in anti-drug abuse values. Interestingly, while they are enjoying the fun, winners stand to win fantastic prizes.

“The gold medalist for the first position will get N2 million, the silver medalist for the second place gets N1.5 million and the bronze medal for the third position attracts N1 million.

“The prizes to be won will not only serve as an incentive for students to train and perform their best but can also assist in funding their educational pursuits.

“In the long term, we are building a generation of future marathon race champions like the Kenyans and Ethiopians. Additionally, both the participants and spectators will gain vital information about the risks of drug abuse”, he stated.

He explained that apart from the prizes, schools would have the opportunity to rally around their students, building school spirit and pride.

He also added that it would encourage friendly competition and collaborative community engagement, strengthening bonds between students, teachers, and parents.

Ofoyeju posited that the maiden edition of the competition slated for secondary schools in the Edo South senatorial district will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

He said the exercise would kick-off at Kings Square and end at Kada Junction along the Benin Sapele Road.

He added that the second phase of the competition would take in the Edo Central and follow by the third phase in the Edo North senatorial districts after the maiden edition in Benin for the Edo South senatorial district.

“The objective is to expand this positive movement across the state and continuously engage youth in health-promoting activities that discourage drug use.

“The Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon promises to be more than just a competition; it is a proactive step toward fostering a healthier, highly knowledgeable and resilient youth population in Edo State.

“As students lace up their running shoes and prepare for race day, they will not only be racing for prizes but also standing united against the epidemic of substance abuse that threatens the future of their generation.

“Bonafide secondary school students from the Edo South Senatorial District are welcome to register for the competition. Participation is a subscription for physical fitness and building a supportive community around healthy choices.

“The students will have an exciting opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities while raising awareness about the critical issue of drug abuse.

“Registration for the marathon is completely free and will remain open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at https://bit.ly/ndleaedo. The NDLEA Edo State Command and the Government invites all secondary school students in Edo South senatorial district to participate in the contest”, he added .