Illah, Delta State: The Courageous Girls Women and Children Initiative (CGWCI), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has launched a statewide campaign to combat drug abuse among young people and promote drug-free schools and communities in Delta State.
The campaign began on October 13, 2026, with a sensitisation programme for secondary school students in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The event brought together students, school administrators, NDLEA officials, mental health professionals and community stakeholders.
The founder and executive director of CGWCI, Ms Uyoyou Courage Ayovuata, disclosed the details of the outreach during a telephone conversation with First Daily on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Three secondary schools participated in the inaugural programme: Illah Mixed Grammar School, Onward Secondary Commercial School and Itomorka Secondary School, all in Illah.
According to Ayovuata, the event was attended by Omobhude Silas, Deputy State Commander of the NDLEA Delta State Command, alongside two other officials of the agency.
The drug abuse sensitisation lecture was delivered by Ojobo Augustine, SO. CTR, of the NDLEA, who educated the students on the dangers and consequences of substance abuse.
“The programme was attended by Omobhude Silas, Deputy State Commander of the NDLEA Delta State Command, and two other officials of the agency.
“The sensitisation lecture on drug abuse was delivered by Ojobo Augustine, SO. CTR, of the NDLEA. He educated the students on the dangers and consequences of substance abuse and led an interactive session aimed at helping them make informed choices,” Ayovuata said.
A separate session was facilitated by psychotherapist Coach Ifeoma Ugboma, who discussed managing emotional distress, dealing with peer pressure and recognising when to seek professional help.
“A second session was facilitated by Coach Ifeoma Ugboma, a psychotherapist, who spoke on managing distress, peer pressure and knowing when to seek help.
“She shared practical strategies for handling emotional challenges, resisting negative peer influence and accessing appropriate support,” she added.
One of the highlights of the programme was a debate between Illah Mixed Grammar School and Onward Secondary Commercial School on the motion, “Peer Pressure Is the Major Cause of Drug Abuse Among Young People.”
While Illah Mixed Grammar School supported the motion, Onward Secondary Commercial School argued against it. The debate encouraged students to examine peer pressure and other factors that contribute to substance abuse.
Students of Itomorka Secondary School also presented a cultural dance, adding to the event’s atmosphere and promoting community participation.
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As part of efforts to sustain the campaign’s impact, CGWCI established Drug-Free Clubs in all three participating schools.
The clubs are expected to promote healthy lifestyles, sustain drug abuse awareness and encourage students to become advocates for drug-free communities.
Ayovuata said the organisation would continue to engage with the clubs to support their activities and strengthen the long-term impact of the initiative.
She described the Illah outreach as an important step in CGWCI’s broader plan to expand drug abuse prevention programmes across Delta State.
The initiative received support from Mr Harrymartins Nwaife, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
Nwaife, who celebrated his birthday on the day of the event, supported the programme as part of his commitment to youth development and well-being.
CGWCI also commended the Chief Inspector of Education in Oshimili North Local Government Area, the principals of the participating schools, the NDLEA and CGWCI teams, and the Social Watch Anti-Drug Abuse Advocate Group in Illah for their cooperation and support.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NDLEA, schools, civil society organisations and other community stakeholders to expand drug abuse sensitisation across the state.
According to Ayovuata, the campaign is designed to equip young people with the knowledge and practical life skills needed to resist harmful influences, make responsible decisions and seek help when necessary.
Through professional guidance, interactive learning and school-based advocacy, CGWCI hopes to establish a sustainable framework for preventing substance abuse among young people.
With the establishment of the Drug-Free Clubs, the organisation expressed optimism that the campaign’s message would extend beyond the initial outreach and become part of everyday school life.
Ayovuata urged students, parents, educators and communities across Delta State to work together to combat substance abuse and protect the future of the next generation.