NDLEA, Partners Sensitise Bonny Community on Drug Abuse, Importance of Education
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with Mayors and Queens Dynasty, has admonished residents of Lighthouse Fishing Settlement in Finima Town, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State to avoid illicit drugs and other harmful substances.
This admonition was given during a sensitisation programme organised by the NDLEA in conjunction with Mayors andQueens Dynasty, which held between Wednesday andThursday, June 10 and 11, 2026 at LighthouseFishingSettlement.
According to the Area Commander of the NDLEA Bonny Area Command, John David, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN), the awareness campaign focused on the theme: “Dangers of Drug Abuse and Education as a Key to a Successful Future”.
Represented by his Assistant, Young-Arney Tekena, a Superintendent of Narcotics (SN), the NDLEA Area Commander said the programme was aimed at combating illicit drug abuse and promoting Education among young people.
He explained that the awareness campaign was in three phases, saying that the first phase targeted children within the ages of 6-15 years old with 115 children (74 girls, 41 boys) in attendance.
He added that further workshops for youths within the ages of 16-40 years old and the elderly within the ages of 40 and above is scheduled to hold on a later date, which will soon be announced.
According to him, participants were educated on the harmful effects of substance abuse on individuals, families and society, as well as the importance of embracing education as a pathway to personal development and long-term success.
The facilitators at the programme warned community members, particularly youths, against illicit drugs and other harmful substances, stressing that drug abuse could lead to addiction, poor academic performance, health complications and involvement in criminal activities.
They also encouraged participants to remain focused on their education and skills development, stressing that knowledge and learning remain critical tools for achieving a better future.
A total of 125 persons attended the sensitisation programme, comprising 81 females and 44 males drawn from the fishing settlement and surrounding communities.
The organisers described the event as part of ongoing efforts to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and strengthen preventive measures at the grassroots level.
They further pledged to continue engaging communities across Bonny Island through educational campaigns and advocacy programmes designed to promote healthy lifestyles and positive social values.
Earlier in his remarks, one of the community leaders, Chief Nathaniel Nathaniel welcomed the initiative, noting that such initiative has the prospect of educating children, youths, and the elderly on the dangers of drug abuse and its consequences to the future of the community.
