The Edo State Government, through the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Charity Amayaenvbo, has paid a courtesy visit to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of renewed efforts to combat drug abuse, particularly among young people in the state.
During the visit, the Commissioner noted that the purpose of the engagement was to better understand NDLEA’s operations and identify areas of collaboration to strengthen the fight against drug abuse in Edo State. He emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the Ministry and the Agency in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to adopt proactive and preventive approaches rather than reactive responses to social challenges.
Hon. Amayaenvbo reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the NDLEA to design effective strategies for identifying and dismantling drug hideouts, as well as tackling illicit drug distribution. He also underscored the need for rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals affected by drug abuse, noting that such efforts are vital to reducing relapse rates and promoting productivity among rehabilitated youths.
The Commissioner further sought the Agency’s support in training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the Ministry’s effectiveness in addressing drug-related issues.
In his remarks, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics in Edo State, Ofoyeju Mitchell, commended the Commissioner for the visit, describing it as timely and strategic. He applauded Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to addressing drug abuse in the state, revealing that two of the three requests he presented upon assuming office had already been granted—namely, the allocation of twenty plots of land at Ogba Forest Extension and the reactivation of the State Drug Control Committee.
Commander Ofoyeju also highlighted ongoing challenges in curbing cannabis cultivation and importation within the state but assured that the NDLEA remains fully committed to eradicating drug abuse. He announced the launch of an initiative tagged “Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon,” which targets secondary school students across the state’s three senatorial districts—starting with the Edo South Senatorial District.
According to him, the marathon aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse while promoting physical fitness among students. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million, respectively.
The highlight of the event was the decoration of Hon. Amayaenvbo as a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) partner, alongside the signing of the Visitor’s Register.
