The Rivers State Government, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Southern Base Development Initiative (SBDI), has commenced a coordinated, state-wide sensitisation campaign aimed at addressing the growing trend of drug and substance abuse among youths.
The initiative, organised in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, brings together key agencies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders.
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The campaign began with sensitisation visits to schools in Port Harcourt, including Community Secondary School Amadi-Ama, Community Secondary School Nkpogu, Community Secondary School Elekahia, Government Secondary School Oginigba and Government Technical College, among others.
A road walk covering major routes from Mile One to Mile Three further amplified anti-drug messages to the public.
Participants distributed flyers, branded T-shirts and caps while engaging residents on the dangers of substance abuse.
Organisers said the outreach aims to equip young people with practical knowledge to resist peer pressure and make healthier decisions.
Health talks, counselling sessions and peer-mentorship programmes formed part of the engagement.
NDLEA officials and SBDI coordinators warned students about the impact of drug addiction on mental health, physical well-being, academic performance and community safety.
They stressed that tackling drug abuse requires collective vigilance, community partnership and support for law enforcement efforts to identify drug networks operating in local neighbourhoods.
School authorities commended the NDDC and SBDI for the intervention, describing it as timely and essential in protecting vulnerable youths from the rising influence of illicit substances.
According to the organisers, the campaign provides a model for continuous anti-drug programmes across the region, reinforcing Rivers State’s commitment to building safer and more resilient communities.
