NYCN Sapele Unveils “Say No to Hard Drugs” Signposts to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths

By Endurance Ikanone

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sapele Local Government Area Chapter, has unveiled two anti drug awareness signposts at strategic locations within Sapele metropolis.

The signposts, boldly inscribed “Say No to Hard Drugs and Drug Abuse,” were mounted at Total Petro Station, Okirighwre, and Texaco Petro Station, New Road by Abeke Road Junction, two major traffic and social hubs within the local government area.

The initiative is aimed at creating sustained awareness and discouraging youths from engaging in drug abuse and other related social vices.

The unveiling ceremony attracted top government officials, security representatives, religious leaders, and youth stakeholders.

Dignitaries present included the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Bright Abeke; Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Sunday Ebireri; Commanding Officer, 90 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army, Koko, Lt. Col. M. M. Garba, who was ably represented by Major K. A. Obona; Secretary to Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Raymond Overah; Bishop Kingsley Majemite, Patron, NYCN Sapele LGA; Executive Secretary, Sapele Local Education Authority, Pastor David Inoaghan; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Joseph Eritobo; Supervisory Councillor on Works, Hon. Ben Igbakpa; and Mr. Egba P., Personal Assistant to the Sapele LGA Chairman, among others.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Bright Abeke, Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, commended the NYCN for taking proactive steps to address drug abuse among youths.

He described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that drug abuse poses a serious threat to the future of the younger generation. He assured the youth council of the local government’s continued support for programmes that promote discipline, responsibility, and positive youth engagement.

According to him, collective action remains the most effective way to protect the community from social decay.

Addressing the gathering, Lt. Col. M. M. Garba, Commanding Officer, 90 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army, Koko, represented by Major K. A. Obona, highlighted the dangers of drug abuse to national security and societal stability. He warned that substance abuse weakens moral values, fuels criminal activities, and destroys lives.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to partnering with youth organisations and community leaders to promote peace, security, and healthy living among young people.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Sapele LGA Chapter, Comrade Kingsley Abebe, said the campaign was conceived to sensitize youths on the grave dangers of hard drugs and substance abuse.

He thanked God Almighty for making the initiative a reality and for the successful gathering of stakeholders.

Comrade Abebe appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his unending love for youths and for prioritizing youth inclusion in governance across Delta State. He also expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Bright Abeke for his unwavering support and commitment to youth development in Sapele.

He offered special appreciation and acknowledgement to Lt. Col. M. M. Garba, Commanding Officer, 90 Amphibious Battalion, Nigeria Army, Koko, ably represented by Major K. A. Obona, for the wonderful and gracious support extended to the project.

He further thanked Hon. Sunday Ebireri and all dignitaries present for standing with the youths in the fight against drug abuse.

The event concluded with a call on parents, leaders, and relevant authorities to join hands with youth organisations to safeguard the future of Sapele youths through sustained awareness and preventive measures.