By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) has kicked off a campaign urging youths across the country to reject drug abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices.
The campaign, tagged “Walk Against Cyber Crime and All Social Vices: Embrace Virtues, Not Vices,” began on Friday at Calabar Millennium Park.
Organizers plan to extend the movement to universities and colleges across the Niger Delta states.
Speaking to journalists during the event, Comrade Scott Ogunseri, National President of NIDSUG, emphasized the campaign’s goal of educating students and young people about the dangers of engaging in social vices.
“This initiative reminds students that life continues after school,” Ogunseri stated, adding, “We are conducting this walk to sensitize students and youths to avoid social vices. As a student union leader, my dream is to see students uphold good character. Through this initiative, we will keep reminding them to shun all social vices. We will also appoint ambassadors on various campuses to sustain the campaign.”
Ogunseri further disclosed that after covering institutions in Cross River State, the campaign will expand to all nine states in the Niger Delta.
“We want to use this platform to urge our youths to abandon these harmful practices. Let’s shun them so we can become better individuals for our families, our region, and our country,” he added.
Also addressing participants, Mr. Joseph Kelvin Eyam, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, who represented the Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, reiterated the government’s strong stance against cybercrime.
“I am here on behalf of the Acting Governor to reaffirm that our government stands firmly against cybercrime.
“Cybercrime is illegal, both globally and locally. It goes against ethics, morality, and the law. Government is working tirelessly to provide alternative opportunities for young people. Our government is primarily focusing on the people, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.”
In her remarks, Deputy Commander Namdi Roseline Ada, from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in charge of Drugs Demand Reduction Unit, averred that there is an increasing number of drug-related cases in the country, ensuring that the agency is making efforts to ensure that cases of Drug abuse in the country is drastically curb.
She also referenced data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which has identified over 3,000 different types of drug abuse.
Students participating in the campaign carried placards with bold messages such as: “Say No to Drug Abuse. Say No to Pipeline Vandalism. Say No to Cultism. Say No to Rape and Murder”