Chief Festus Ochonoghor MD/CEO of DESOPADEC addressing students of Delta State university Abraka at the Awareness and sensitization Campaign.
By Elohor Foghola
The managing director of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor has charged tertiary students across the state to remain focused on their studies, as there are no short cut to success.
Speaking yesterday at the 2nd edition of the Awareness and Sensitization campaign, with the theme ‘’ Don’t Go There, there is danger’’ held at Delta State University, Abraka Campus III, Chief Ochonoghor advised undergraduate students of tertiary institutions to steer clear of all forms of social vices in other to avoid ruining their lives.
“Those of you who are here are privileged to be here to enhance your growth in future. Be focused and avoid “going there” as your going there can ruin your life.
‘’Government is not only providing infrastructure, but also changing the minds of the youths towards a positive direction. Which informed the convocation of the Sensitisation Campaign by DESOPADEC, in conjunction with the office of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs,” Chief Ochonogor said.
Lauding Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for providing the enabling platform for the Executive Assistant on Students’ Affairs to put such a program together, Chief Ochonogor gave the assurance that the Commission will continue to partner with the initiative.
Earlier, while declaring the seminar open, the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Andy Egwunyenga had commended the efforts of the office of the Executive Assistant for the initiative, saying that it’s not just about DELSU but all other higher institutions in the country, stressing that the theme of the programme is apt and timely as new students were just resuming for the session.
“This is a grand initiative because it’s not just about DELSU but other higher institutions in the country and the theme on effects of social vices such as Drug abuse, Cultism, Prostitution and the inherent dangers in their patronage is apt and timely as fresh students are just resuming for the session,” said Prof. Egwunyenga.
He therefore called on them to maintain the family values they came with to the higher institution rather than engaging in social vices, adding that their ability to withstand the pressures and steer clear of these vices will determine the greatness to be achieved by them.
Also speaking, the organizer of the programme, Comr. Ezekiel Okoh Oghenetega, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs said that social vices such as Drug abuse, Cultism, Prostitution have become a menace in higher institutions and that awareness/sensitization campaign against the inherent dangers in indulgence is key to reducing the scourge.
“The insidious nature of abuse has seeped deep into our Campuses, leading to devastating consequences for both individuals and communities. The allure of escaping reality through substance use may seem tempting but we must remind our students that such choices only lead to a path of self-destruction. We must educate them about the long-term effects of drug abuse and other negative vices,” he said.
