{
  "id": 8480377,
  "title": "Edo Govt decries rising drug abuse, says menace destroying citizens’ lives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/edo-govt-decries-rising-drug-abuse-says-menace-destroying-citizens",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-19T14:49:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/19/edo-govt-decries-rising-drug-abuse-says-menace-destroying-citizens-lives/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Edo State Government has expressed deep concern over the increasing rates of drug and substance abuse among citizens, particularly among secondary school students. Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa highlighted the issue while inaugurating the inaugural edition of the Governor Monday Okpebholo/Buba Marwa 'Mini-Marathon Race Against Drug Abuse'. The marathon, themed 'Run for Health, Run for Life, Run Against Drug Abuse', was organized by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Idahosa emphasized that drug abuse is not only a problem for the youth but also affects the elderly, and stressed the need for an inclusive approach to tackle the menace. He commended the NDLEA for the initiative and called for its continuation, stating that continuous sensitization through activities such as sports could significantly reduce drug abuse. Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, also addressed the gathering, stressing that combating drug abuse requires a multi-pronged approach involving sports, education, and empowerment. He highlighted the marathon as the first of its kind organized by any NDLEA command in the country, aiming to identify talented students who could become future athletes and champions. Over 100 students from four public schools participated in the event, with the winners being offered one-year full academic scholarships by the Governor. The winners were also designated as War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors, tasked with promoting a drug-free lifestyle among their peers.",
  "summary": "The Edo State Government has raised the alarm over the rising rate of drug and substance abuse in the state, saying the menace has destroyed the lives of many citizens. DAILY POST reports that the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, raised the alarm on Saturday while flagging off the maiden edition of the Governor Monday Okpebholo/Buba Marwa ‘Mini-Marathon Race Against […] Edo Govt decries rising…",
  "key_points": [
    "Edo State Government alarmed by rising drug abuse among citizens.",
    "Deputy Governor inaugurates marathon race against drug abuse.",
    "Marathon aims to identify future athletes and drug-free ambassadors."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}