NDDC Launches Statewide Campaign Against Substance Abuse in Secondary Schools
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a statewide campaign against substance abuse in selected secondary schools across Calabar, Cross River State. This initiative, held on February 19, 2025, at the West African People Institute (WAPI), was conducted in collaboration with Devongnosis Education Limited and key stakeholders, including government agencies, security bodies, and educational institutions. The campaign aims to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse, empower them to make informed decisions, and establish student ambassadors to promote awareness.
Declaring the event open, Dr. Eme Inyangabia, Assistant Director at NDDC, expressed deep concern over the rising prevalence of drug and substance abuse among youths, particularly secondary school students. She reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to addressing this growing challenge with renewed vigor.
Similarly, Nnadi Roseline Ada, Deputy Commander of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Cross River State Command, highlighted the direct link between substance abuse and the increasing cases of mental health issues and academic decline. She warned that the future of young people was at significant risk if urgent measures were not taken to curb the menace.
A compelling moment of the event was the testimony of a former drug addict, who shared his nine-year battle with substance abuse and his journey to recovery. Speaking anonymously, he urged students to avoid drugs, emphasizing that not everyone may be as fortunate as he was in overcoming addiction.
Stakeholders at the event called for an expansion of the campaign to more schools within and beyond Calabar, advocating for continuous engagement through follow-up programs, mentorship initiatives, and peer education. They also stressed the importance of increased parental involvement and the need to strengthen rehabilitation and counseling services to provide adequate support for affected students.