From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has warned secondary school students across the state to avoid habits and influences capable of derailing their academic performance and future prospects.
The governor’s Special Assistant on Students Orientation, Comrade Afufu Anthony Ogar-Ogabor, gave the warning during an anti–drug abuse orientation summit held on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Barracks Road, Calabar. The programme was organised by the state government in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Ogar-Ogabor said the statewide orientation campaign became necessary due to the rising cases of substance abuse, peer pressure, and social vices among young people.
“We are embarking on a statewide orientation summit to educate students on the need to abstain from anything that will distract them from attaining academic excellence,” he said.
He explained that the orientation would be held across the three senatorial districts and would cover both higher institutions and secondary schools.
According to him, the Otu administration is investing heavily in the younger generation as future leaders, hence the collaboration with NDLEA to intensify campaigns against drug abuse.
“That is why we are collaborating with the NDLEA to educate secondary school students on the dangers of drug abuse that can destroy their future if something is not done immediately,” he added.
Speaking on the topic “From Distraction to Distinction,” Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I, Mr. Eyo Effiong Okon, of the NDLEA’s Drug Demand Reduction Department, said drug abuse has eaten deep into society and young people remain the most vulnerable.
He stressed the need to bring the sensitisation directly to schools to properly educate students on the dangers associated with substance abuse.
Okon advised students to avoid negative influences, choose their friends wisely, and remain focused on their education to secure a better future.