The Deputy Governor of Edo State Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has called for the inclusion of every member of the society in the war against drug abuse.

He made the call on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the maiden edition of the Okpebholo/Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse for secondary school students in the State, with the theme: “Run for health! Run for life! Run against drug abuse!”

Idahosa who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pius Alile, asserted that drug abuse is not limited to the young ones alone, noting that drug abuse is also rampant among prominent members of the society.

“Drugs abuse is not an issue for our young people alone. Our young people should not be labelled in that direction. Drug abuse is related to all ages.

“There are drug abusers among the middle class and even drug abusers among the prominent people in the society. So, I want to advise that everybody must be carried along. It should be an inclusive approach,” he said.

The Deputy Governor who commended the NDLEA for the initiative, called for its sustenance, noting that “drug abuse has destroyed a lot of people and particularly in Edo State where it has become something that is very rampant.”

He added: “I want to advise that we continue with this kind of program and we make it more inclusive so that the participation will be vaster because [drug abuse] is killing our people and it is destroying our generation and our youth as well.

“There is more to life than taking drugs and that is why this race of today is a laudable one.”

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okpebholo on drug and illicit trafficking control, Andrew Oje, noted that the state government has continued to support initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse, creating awareness among young people, strengthening collaboration with relevant agencies and protecting our communities from dangers associated with illicit drugs.

“The fight against drug abuse is not only about controlling substances, but also about protecting the future of Edo State. By reducing drug abuse, we can have healthier young people, save our community, improve productivity, reduce crime and create opportunity for our youth to contribute positively to the development of our dear state.

“We remain committed to working with government agencies, schools, traditional and religious leaders, communities, parents and young people to build and educate where our youth can thrive without the influence of drugs.

“I therefore encourage everyone to support the Governor’s efforts. Together we can protect our community, safeguard our young people and build a healthier, safer and more prosperous Edo State,”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the marathon as the first of its kind in Nigeria dedicated solely to secondary school students, saying the initiative was designed to make the anti-drug message more engaging and relatable to young people.

He warned that drug abuse was destroying the health, aspirations and future of young Nigerians, stressing that the fight against substance abuse should go beyond arrests and prosecution.

“To all our students who are running today, let me assure you that you are all winners. Whether you come first or last, you have made a bold statement. You have chosen life over drugs.

“You have chosen books over methamphetamine. You have chosen sports over Tramadol and Colos and I’m proud of you. My charge to you today is simple. Let your schools be completely drug free,” Ofoyeju said.

The Edo NDLEA Commander who urged the participating students to reject any offer of illicit drugs and encourage friends involved in substance abuse to quit, disclosed that the agency was increasingly focusing on prevention, education, sports and youth empowerment as part of efforts to curb drug abuse among young people.

According to him, “the marathon was conceived to provide an alternative and positive engagement for young people while using sports to identify talents at the grassroots.

“Ultimately, while running and having fun, we are equally identifying great athletes and Olympic champions as we inculcate in them strong values of a drug-free lifestyle.

“Go back to your schools and communities as WADA champions. Say no to anyone who offers you drugs. Encourage your friends who are involved to quit,” he charged them.

Over a hundred students drawn from four public schools participated in the mini marathon, with students of Edokpolor Grammar School, Benin, clinching the first, second and third positions in the male category.

The winners were awarded one-year full academic scholarships by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and were formally decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA Student Ambassadors) for Edo State.