The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, Rainbow Deck, has embarked on a sensitization campaign to educate youths in Delta State on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The awareness campaign kicked off at Eyabugbe Primary School, Ugborikoko, and extended into the Ugborikoko Community in Uvwie, Delta State, where members of NAS Rainbow Deck distributed flyers and interacted with residents to promote the advocacy against drug misuse, particularly among the youth.
As part of the day’s activities, the team also distributed learning materials including notebooks, pens and school bags to pupils and students, encouraging them to stay focused on education as a positive alternative to drug use. The Association noted that the gesture formed part of its Back-to-School Project, designed to support education and motivate children to remain in school.
In a special show of support, the NAS Area Mate, Area 4, Mr. Abel Idiomor, donated school bags distributed to pupils and students in the community, further demonstrating the Association’s commitment to youth development and educational empowerment.
The exercise was carried out in collaboration with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who joined the team in urging community members to desist from the sale and consumption of illicit drugs in order to build a safer and healthier society.
Capoon of NAS Rainbow Deck, Mr. Emmanuel Okworu, explained that the road walk sensitization formed part of activities marking the NAS Street Child Project, a national advocacy and humanitarian initiative that supports the welfare of street children across Nigeria.
According to him, this year’s campaign, themed “Against Drug Abuse and Homelessness and Back to School Project,” is a simultaneous nationwide and international effort aimed at addressing social issues linked to substance abuse and homelessness.
Mr. Okworu noted that through this initiative, NAS seeks to cleanse the grassroots of harmful drugs and illicit substances that have claimed the lives of many promising youths. He further urged parents to closely monitor the activities of their children to prevent negative peer influence that could lead to drug abuse.
Also speaking, the First Mate of NAS Rainbow Deck, Mr. Ebenezer Esieyae, lamented the growing prevalence of drug abuse, warning that the scourge has crept into primary schools. He commended the campaign as a timely intervention and encouraged recipients of the message to spread it further within their communities.
Similarly, an educationist and member of NAS Rainbow Deck, Chief Lucky Leleji, advised youths to remain focused on their education to achieve academic excellence. He disclosed that the association is also implementing a Back to School programme, aimed at supporting indigent pupils and taking vulnerable children off the streets. He added that the distribution of notebooks, pens and school bags was part of this initiative to encourage learning and school attendance among children.
Officials of the NDLEA, Warri Area Command, Mrs. Ifeoma Okororie and Mr. Aniete Bassey, addressed the legal consequences of drug trafficking and consumption, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law, including possible imprisonment.
They emphasized the agency’s collaboration with the National Association of Seadogs, Rainbow Deck, to intensify public enlightenment on the dangers of drug and substance abuse within communities across Delta State.
The sensitization campaign also extended to the busy Enerhen Junction axis of Effurun, where members of NAS Rainbow Deck continued to engage with residents and youths on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of living responsibly.
