The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has been widely commended for inaugurating the Asaba Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation Committee—an initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse in the capital city.
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., gave the commendation while receiving members of the committee during a courtesy visit to his office in Asaba.
Dr. Oghenesivbe described drug abuse, particularly among youths, as deeply troubling, noting its links to addiction, mental health issues, and premature deaths. He stated that numerous cases of young people’s lives being ruined by drug addiction have been recorded in the state.
He further stressed that the impacts of drug abuse go beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and society at large.
Citing statistics from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), he revealed that in 2023 alone, about 500,000 individuals aged between 15 and 65 in Delta State were involved in drug abuse.
Dr. Oghenesivbe reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to partnering with the Asaba Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation Committee and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment efforts and drive lasting change across communities.
“As a Bureau, we are fully committed to collaborating with your committee and other stakeholders to broaden the reach of sensitization campaigns and create lasting positive change in our communities.
“With collective efforts, we can safeguard the future of our youths. Drug abuse and crime also carry severe economic costs, including increased healthcare expenses, loss of productivity, and pressure on law enforcement. The NDLEA has even recommended mandatory drug testing for students seeking admission into higher institutions.
“Substance abuse often results in impaired judgment, leading to crimes such as robbery, rape, domestic violence, kidnapping, and other offenses,” he added.
He also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his proactive stance on drug control in Delta State, noting his commitment to fostering a drug-free environment through partnerships, awareness campaigns, and support services.
Dr. Oghenesivbe commended the establishment of rehabilitation and counseling centers in Kwale and Agbor, and lauded the success of the “Drug Free Delta” campaign, launched in February by the Governor. He noted that NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) clubs were now active in many schools, furthering the campaign’s reach.
He announced plans for the second phase of the campaign, targeting 58 secondary schools and all tertiary institutions in the state.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Asaba Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation Committee, Obi Nwanyi Ajufoh, said the committee’s core mission was to rescue lives affected by drug abuse across towns and villages.
She expressed the committee’s willingness to work with relevant agencies to educate rural communities on the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing the urgent need to address the growing crisis.
Ajufoh noted that a significant number of Asaba youths were grappling with substance abuse, adding that the committee—established by the Asagba of Asaba—reflects the Monarch’s zero-tolerance stance on drug use among his subjects.
“We’re determined to support our youths in overcoming substance abuse. We are here to explore collaboration with the State Orientation and Communications Bureau to enhance sensitization efforts, especially in Asaba and surrounding communities. Many of our young people are already trapped in drug addiction,” she stated.
Also speaking, the State Commander of the NDLEA, represented by Deputy Commander Mr. Victor Chuks Isibor, highlighted the shared responsibility of curbing drug abuse, urging parents to be proactive in guiding their children.
He revealed that in the first half of 2025, the NDLEA Delta Command had seized over 1,000 kilograms of assorted drugs and arrested nearly 600 suspects. He clarified, however, that drug users should be seen as patients, not criminals, noting that about 400 individuals had been counseled and many rehabilitated.
While appreciating Governor Oborevwori for providing operational vehicles to the agency, he also lamented the lack of an official NDLEA office in Asaba, explaining that the current location in Ogwashi-Uku posed challenges to their operations.
Also speaking, the Delta State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Ikolomi urged parents to closely monitor their children to prevent drug abuse and highlighted the National Orientation Agency’s ongoing campaigns to combat substance abuse among youths.