Students in Ogbaku receive anti-drug awareness and career guidance as stakeholders intensify efforts to build a drug-free generation in Imo State

Students of Presentation Secondary School, Ogbaku, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State received a powerful message on the dangers of substance abuse on Tuesday as the Nsokpo Dynamic Association partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Navy to promote drug-free living and responsible career choices.

The awareness programme, held in Ogbaku, coincided with the 2026 observance of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated globally on June 26 each year.

Organisers said the initiative was designed to educate young people about the devastating consequences of drug abuse while encouraging them to make positive decisions that would shape their future.

This year’s campaign was held under the theme, “Say Yes to Life. Say No to Drugs – It Kills,” bringing together community leaders, security agencies, healthcare professionals and educators in a united effort to address the growing threat of substance abuse among young Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Nsokpo Dynamic Association, Mark Onyejiaka, stressed the urgent need to protect young people from the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

According to him, the partnership between the association and the NDLEA demonstrates how communities can work collaboratively with institutions to tackle social challenges.

“Drugs do not merely destroy health, they shatter dreams, tear apart families, and steal futures that were meant to shine. We are here because we believe in the limitless potential of every young person in this hall,” Onyejiaka said.

As part of the programme, NDLEA officials delivered an extensive presentation highlighting the dangers associated with drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.

The officers used real-life case studies and recent national data to illustrate the severe consequences faced by individuals who become involved in substance abuse.

The NDLEA Sensitises Imo Students campaign also featured medical experts from the Nigerian Navy, who provided students with detailed information on the short-term and long-term health effects of drug use.

The health professionals explained how substance abuse can damage physical and mental health, disrupt education and negatively affect future opportunities.

A major highlight of the event was a career development session delivered by Dr Chika Umunnakwe, titled, “Dreaming Big for the Future: Why the Choices You Make Today Matter.”

The presentation encouraged students to pursue meaningful careers and remain focused on their long-term goals.

Dr Umunnakwe emphasised that a single poor decision, including involvement in drug use or trafficking, could permanently undermine years of hard work and academic achievement.

Organisers noted that students actively participated throughout the programme, engaging speakers during interactive question-and-answer sessions.

The enthusiastic response reflected growing interest among young people in receiving accurate information about the challenges they face and the opportunities available to them.

The Principal of Presentation Secondary School, Reverend Father Joachim Onyeagam, expressed appreciation to the organisers and their partners for selecting the school as a venue for the sensitisation exercise.

He described the initiative as timely and important, particularly given increasing concerns about substance abuse among youths across the country.

The programme forms part of wider efforts to raise awareness ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an annual global campaign aimed at strengthening action and cooperation in the fight against drug-related challenges.

The Nsokpo Dynamic Association reaffirmed its commitment to community development and youth empowerment, announcing plans to expand the initiative to other schools across Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

According to the association, extending the programme will help reinforce efforts to build a drug-free generation and create a more informed and resilient youth population in Imo State.

Closing the event, Onyejiaka encouraged students to remain focused on their ambitions and reject any activity that could derail their future.

“Your future is brilliant. Your potential is limitless. Together, we declare: Yes to Life. No to Drugs,” he said.

The campaign underscores the growing recognition among community organisations, security agencies and educators that early intervention and sustained awareness are critical tools in combating drug abuse and safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s young people.