Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has emphasized the importance of shunning hard drugs and illicit trafficking, citing their detrimental effects on health and society.
He made this call during a campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, held as part of activities commemorating the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The campaign followed the weekly prosperity walk exercise at the Samson Siasia sports complex in Yenagoa.
Diri encouraged youths to develop themselves by acquiring skills and working towards actualizing their God-given potential, highlighting the significance of fitness and health, stating that “health is wealth.”
The governor urged youths to be self-confident, have the fear of God, and develop their innate potential to become stars, commending a Bayelsa-born athlete, Victory Godah, for donating sporting equipment to the state, citing her as a shining example for youths to emulate.
Victory Godah, a Bayelsa-born athlete based in the United States, was discovered through the state’s sports programs. She is currently studying at the University of Minnesota and has given back to the state by donating sports equipment.
He said: “We just completed a nine to 10km walk, which is a test of our fitness. As it is said, health is wealth.
“Today is the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. We are not only observing the global campaign, we are also leading it here in Bayelsa.
“No one in his right senses goes to commit crime and violent acts except that individual is under the influence of hard drugs. My advice to youths is be self-confident, have the fear of God and develop your innate potential for you to become a star.”
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, emphasized the importance of the weekly walk, stating that participants above 40 years would have their blood pressure controlled after taking about 5,000 steps.
The state chairman of the drug abuse, addiction, prevention, and rehabilitation committee, Dr. Peter Owonaro, reported that the committee’s outreach had been a huge success.
The state commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kanu Sunny, lauded the state government for its unprecedented support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the campaign was taken to secondary schools and tertiary institutions, encouraging all to join the war against the menace.
