DESOPADEC Strengthens  Campaign Against Social Vices In  Ndokwa

In a determined push to curb the rising tide of drug/substance abuse and cultism among teenagers, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, through its Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, has continued its sensitization campaign across secondary schools in Ndokwa Nation.

The latest phase of the advocacy train berthed at Ebologu Grammar School, Utagba-Uno and St. Kizito College, Utagba-Uno today, 28th November, 2025 where students received deep, practical insights on the dangers of drug misuse and the life-altering consequences associated with cultism.

Speaking during the outreach, officers from the department emphasized that the campaign was part of DESOPADEC’s long-term youth development initiative aimed at safeguarding the future of young people in oil-producing communities. They reiterated that drug abuse, together with cultism was not only a health crisis but also a social and developmental threat that undermines educational attainment, community progress and the psychological wellbeing of adolescents.

The Head, Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade revealed that they had the mandates of His Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman of DESOPADEC Board, Olorogun Obukowho John Nani; MD/CEO, DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor as well as the Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, to embark on this Sensitisation exercise.

She appreciated the Principal of Ebologu Grammar School, Comrade Esumike Harrison Nnamdi and the Vice Principal of St Kizito College, Chief Ossai A. John for assembling the students of both schools for the exercise.
In a goodwill message, the MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor appealed to the students to take the message of the sensitisation exercise with all seriousness and to join hands in the fight against substance and drug abuse.
According to him, "Drug abuse destroys potentials. It weakens the mind, damages health and cultism equally robs bright young people of the opportunity to become their best selves. But each of you seated here carries a unique gift, a  talent the world is waiting for. Your families, your community and indeed our State are depending on you to rise and shine."
At both schools, the students were taken through interactive sessions by Ms. Elizabeth Odisu and Ms. Honeywell Eburajolor, highlighting common gateways to drugs misuse, peer pressure challenges, cultism, prostitution, emotional triggers and the ripple effects their addictions had on families and society. The team encouraged the youths to embrace discipline, positive peer influence and a strong sense of purpose as shields against harmful habits.

Teachers and school administrators at Ebologu Grammar School and St. Kizito College applauded DESOPADEC for choosing their schools as part of the strategic sensitization route, noting that the campaign could not have come at a better time. They urged the Commission to sustain the program, describing it as a powerful tool in steering the younger generation away from destructive behaviors.

Many students expressed gratitude for the enlightenment, stating that the sessions opened their eyes to realities they had previously ignored or underestimated.

The sensitisation campaign on burning issues will continue across educational institutions and communities in DESOPADEC mandate areas, as the Commission remains committed to building healthier, better-informed communities and empowering young people to make responsible life choices.

By: Nzesi Boniface Ossai 

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