Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has taken the front line in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, leading a statewide sensitisation campaign as part of activities to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The awareness campaign, which took place across key locations in the state, was aimed at educating youths and the general public on the dangers of drug misuse and the urgent need to tackle the growing menace within communities. Governor Diri, accompanied by top government officials, health professionals, and civil society groups, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to curbing the spread of narcotic abuse and dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in the state.
Addressing participants during the event, Governor Diri described drug abuse as a destructive force threatening the future of young people and weakening the fabric of society. He called for a united front involving parents, religious leaders, schools, and law enforcement agencies to confront the challenge with urgency and resolve.
According to the governor, Bayelsa State has adopted a multi-sectoral approach involving preventive education, community engagement, rehabilitation support, and strict enforcement of existing laws. He stressed that the war against drug-related crimes must be proactive and sustained if meaningful progress is to be achieved.
The campaign also featured road walks, public lectures, distribution of information materials, and outreach sessions in schools and marketplaces. the initiative aligns with global efforts under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to raise awareness and strengthen responses to drug-related issues.
Governor Diri urged youths to shun substance abuse and embrace productive lifestyles, warning that involvement in drugs not only ruins lives but also fuels crime and instability. He reiterated that his government will continue to support rehabilitation programs and empower relevant agencies to protect the future of Bayelsa’s younger generation.
