In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating drug abuse among young people, Edo State, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has officially launched the Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon for secondary school students. The event seeks to fuse physical fitness with vital awareness about the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse, creating a healthy, informed youth population across the state.
The marathon, flagged off by the NDLEA State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju in Benin City, marks the first-ever anti-drug race of its kind in Nigeria. Open to bona fide students aged 13 to 17 from both public and private secondary schools in the Edo South Senatorial District, the race spans a 3.5-kilometer mini marathon starting from Kings Square to Kada Junction along the Benin-Sapele Road.
Beyond athletic competition, the event serves as an educational platform. Its theme, “Edo Students Running Against Drug Trafficking and Abuse,” emphasizes positive lifestyle choices, the importance of exercise, and the social responsibility of young people to reject drugs. While participants enjoy the camaraderie and competition of the marathon, they also absorb crucial anti-drug messages through interactive sessions, community engagement, and health promotion activities on race day.
Acknowledging the disturbing rise of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, especially in Edo State, Commander Ofoyeju highlighted the need for innovative and proactive programs that resonate with vulnerable populations. The marathon incentivizes participation with substantial prizes: N2 million for the gold medalist, N1.5 million for silver, and N1 million for bronze, supporting not only athleticism but also the educational endeavors of the winners.
The phased program will roll out statewide, following Edo South with Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts, aiming for continuous youth engagement. The collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting early intervention through healthy habits and empowering a generation resistant to substance abuse pressures.
The marathon promises to be more than a race—it embodies a commitment to foster resilience, fitness, and knowledge, creating a safer and healthier future for Edo’s youth. Registration remains open with hopes that thousands of students will join, compete, and champion the cause against drug abuse.
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