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Edokpolo Grammar School emerges winner
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Edo State Government, has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse among young people through the maiden edition of the Okpebholo and Marwa Mini-Marathon Against Drug Abuse, held for secondary school students across Edo State.
The initiative, which brought together students from schools across the state, combined sports, youth engagement and drug-abuse awareness in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles, encourage talent development and inspire a new generation committed to a drug-free society.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of the NDLEA, Edo State Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the marathon as a groundbreaking initiative, saying it was the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Ofoyeju said the campaign was designed to underscore the need for a broader approach to tackling drug abuse, noting that the fight must go beyond arrests, seizures and enforcement operations.
According to him, engaging young people through sports, education and empowerment provides a more effective platform for raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse while encouraging positive choices and healthy lifestyles.
He stressed that initiatives of this nature would help harness the energy and potential of young people, while creating greater awareness of the consequences of substance abuse and the importance of making responsible life choices.
“Drug abuse is destroying our children, the youth, and even the elders. It destroys the brain, the body, and the dreams of our young people,” the organisers said.
Ofoyeju added that the marathon was conceived as a platform to use sports as a tool for prevention while simultaneously identifying promising talents at the grassroots level.
“Ultimately, we are running today, and the children are having fun. We are equally identifying great athletes who will become Olympic champions tomorrow, while inculcating in them strong values of a drug-free lifestyle,” he said.
Ofoyeju commended the NDLEA, Edo State Command, and the Edo State Drug Control Committee for their commitment to building drug-free schools and communities.
He also praised the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for their support for youth development and the campaign against drug abuse.
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According to the state commander of the NDLEA, Governor Okpebholo’s support made the programme more rewarding for participating students, with the first-, second- and third-place winners in both the male and female categories set to receive one-year full academic scholarships.
He noted that the winners would also be decorated as WADA student ambassadors for Edo State and expected to take the anti-drug message to their schools, communities and social media platforms.
He urged the students to become advocates for a drug-free society, encouraging them to reject drugs and support peers struggling with substance abuse.
“To all our students who are running today, let me assure you that you are all winners. Whether you come first or last, you have made a bold statement. You have chosen life over drugs,” he said.
He further charged the students to choose education and sports over substance abuse and to return to their schools and communities as ambassadors of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Pius Alile, commended the organisers of the anti-drug race, describing it as an important initiative that goes beyond sensitisation and enlightenment by helping people understand that life offers more than drug use.
He emphasised the serious impact of drug abuse, particularly in Edo State, and called for the programme to be sustained, expanded and made more inclusive to reach more people.
Alile also urged greater investment in the initiative because of the damage drug abuse causes to individuals, young people and society.
He, however, expressed a personal commitment to the initiative and proposed partnering with the organisers, including meeting with the Senior Special Assistant, to support and participate in the programme.
Among the participating schools, Edokpolo Grammar School emerged as the overall winner of the competition, sweeping all three top positions.
Ojie Victor of SS3 secured first place, followed by Bright Osemwingie, also of SS3, who came second. Chamberlain Miracle of SS2 took third place.
