Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has appealed to young people across the state to avoid drug use and focus instead on building purposeful lives through discipline, skill development and self-confidence.
Governor Diri made the appeal on Thursday during the Prosperity Walk held in Yenagoa to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
While addressing participants at the event, the governor expressed concern over the link between substance abuse and rising criminal activity, encouraging youths to channel their energy into meaningful and constructive pursuits.
“Today is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Here in Bayelsa, we are not just acknowledging the global campaign, we are leading it,” he said.
“No one in their right mind commits crime or engages in violence without being influenced by hard drugs. My advice to the youth is this: believe in yourselves, uphold moral values, and discover your inner potential in order to become stars.”
Governor Diri also praised Victory Godah, a promising athlete from Ekeremor Local Government Area who rose to prominence through the state’s sports development programme. Now a student at the University of Minnesota in the United States, Victory recently donated sports equipment to support grassroots athletes in Bayelsa.
“She was discovered right here, and because of her talent, she’s now at the University of Minnesota,” the governor noted. “She has given back to the state by providing sports equipment to help others get similar opportunities.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, underscored the health advantages of walking, particularly for individuals above 40. He stated that walking just 5,000 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure and related ailments.
Dr. Peter Owonaro, Chairman of the State Drug Prevention Committee, shared encouraging news from recent studies indicating a 5% drop in drug abuse across Bayelsa State.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kanu Sunny, Bayelsa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), acknowledged the state government’s steadfast support in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He noted that the agency’s outreach efforts now extend to both secondary schools and universities across the state.
“We have recorded meaningful progress, but the battle is far from over. Everyone must play a role if we are to overcome this challenge,” he said.
