The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) on Thursday continued its monthly campaign against social vices as the initiative berthed at Orogun Grammar School, Orogun, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The campaign, anchored by the Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department (CD&PE), focused on the theme, “School is not a scam,” aimed at correcting the growing misconception among youths in the Commission’s mandate areas that formal education is a waste of time.
In her opening remarks, the Head of Department, CD&PE, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, represented by Mrs. Etume Okeoghene, said the Commission, as an interventionist agency, was well positioned to drive enlightenment programmes across its mandate areas.
She noted that DESOPADEC, under the leadership of the Chairman of the Board, Chief John Obukokwho Nani, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, with the support of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, remained committed to sensitising students and youths against negative social narratives.
“We are here to let you know that school is not a scam. School is the bedrock of the development of every society,” she stated.
Ezonfade explained that the sensitisation campaign is a monthly activity of the department and assured that other schools across the Commission’s mandate areas would benefit from subsequent editions.
The programme featured a debate session between students of the school. Miss Ovie Justice and Omovie Favour (SS2) argued in support of the motion, while Benjamin Praise and Aghogho Oghenegaren (SS1) opposed it. At the end of the keenly contested debate, the proposing team emerged first and second, while the opposing team placed third and fourth.
Other speakers, including Mr. James Ajevabor and Elizabeth Odisu, also spoke against the “school is a scam” narrative. They emphasised that societal development, knowledge transfer and structured growth would not be possible without formal education.
They further warned students against social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, prostitution and early child marriage, noting that such behaviours could derail their dreams and future aspirations.
Earlier, the Vice Principal of Orogun Grammar School, Mrs. Ighomuaye Veronica, who represented the Principal, welcomed the DESOPADEC team and expressed appreciation for selecting the school for the enlightenment campaign.
She also commended the member representing the Urhobo nation on the DESOPADEC Board, Mr. Sylvester Ovbije, as well as other board members for their continued support to the community.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of gift items to the first, second, third and fourth place winners of the debate competition.
Among those in attendance were Azubuke O. Lucky, Vice Principal (Academics), OGS; Odumenya Aghogho Osawota, Coordinator, DESOPADEC Afiesere Area Office; Igbree Benson; Onduku Frances, Unit Head; Afe Robinson Oromuhi; Akpo Bawo Ofere; and Mr. Bobby, among others.
