The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a statewide campaign against substance abuse.

The campaign will be carried out in select secondary schools across Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The commission said the initiative, carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, security bodies and educational institutions, aims to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse, empower them to make informed decisions and establish student ambassadors to promote awareness.

Declaring the event open, Assistant Director at NDDC, Dr. Eme Inyangabia, expressed deep concern over the rising prevalence of drug and substance abuse among youths, particularly secondary school students.

Inyangabia reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to addressing the growing challenge with renewed vigour.

Also speaking, Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, Nnadi Roseline Ada, highlighted the direct link between substance abuse and the increasing cases of mental health issues and academic decline.

She warned that the future of young people was at significant risk, if urgent measures were not taken to curb the menace.

At the event, a former drug addict, shared his nine-year battle with substance abuse and his journey to recovery.

Speaking anonymously, he urged students to avoid drugs, emphasising that not everyone may be as fortunate as he was in overcoming addiction.

Stakeholders at the event called for an expansion of the campaign to more schools within and beyond Calabar, advocating for continuous engagement through follow-up programmes, mentorship initiatives and peer education.

They also stressed the importance of increased parental involvement and the need to strengthen rehabilitation and counseling services to provide adequate support for affected students.