- as Gov. Diri charges parents to join campaign against abuse
His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri , Governor of Bayelsa State says all hands must be on deck to stop cases of drug abuse among youths in the State.
The Governor was speaking during a one-day programme, “Unplugged drug prevention programme for secondary schools in Bayelsa State” organised by the Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee to sensitize principals and teachers of secondary schools on the dangers of hard drugs.
“We must together fight drugs abuse and its attendant crimes across the State. It’s either we rise up against drugs or it consumes us all. No one is free. We must stand up against it. The committee has gone round the schools sensitizing the pupils and this programme is for the principals and teachers. For us to succeed as a school, you must own this programme, embrace it so our schools can be free of drugs.
“Let me call on all parents to ensure good training and instill worthy discipline in their children and wards. Parents must join hands with the government to prevent drug abuse. Again, beyond the schools, we will take the campaigns against drugs abuse to streets in our communities too to be able to reach everyone.
“We are building a mental health and rehabilitation centre in Ogbia town to take care of those already affected. We have to provide care”, the Governor stated.
Governor Diri commended the Chairman, Bayelsa State, Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, and her team for the various initiatives to deal with drugs abuse.
As part of efforts to achieve a wider reach on the campaign against drugs abuse, the State Government has printed textbooks and manuals on “Drugs Abuse”, to be distributed to both the students and teachers.
