The Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Edo State government has flagged off Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon for secondary schools. The novel initiative aligns with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda aimed at early intervention by promoting healthy lifestyles and combating drug abuse among young people. It is also a demonstration of the Command and State government commitment to student empowerment, the NDLEA Commander, Mithell Ofoyeju announced in Benin City, the state capital.
According to the Commander, “the endemic problem of drug abuse has permeated our societal fabrics thus requiring innovative programmes that resonates with vulnerable young population. Students like recreation and sports is a positive way of attracting them to cultivate and engage anti-drug abuse values. Interestingly, while they are enjoying the fun, winners stand to win fantastic prizes. The gold medalist for the first position will get N2 million niara while the silver medalist for the second place gets N1.5 million naira and the bronze medal for the third position attracts N1 million naira.”
The marathon competition is a continuous exercise that will hold in phases across the three senatorial districts of Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North. However, the maiden edition which covers all secondary schools in Edo South will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025. This groundbreaking marathon is designed to engage students aged 13 to 17 from both public and private schools. It will kick off at Kings Square and conclude at Kada Junction along the Benin Sapele Road.
Mitchell noted that bonafide secondary school students from the Edo South Senatorial District are welcomed to register for the competition. Participation is a subscription for physical fitness and building a supportive community around healthy choice. The students will have an exciting opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities while raising awareness about the critical issue of drug abuse.
Registration for the marathon is completely free and will remain open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at https://bit.ly/ndleaedo. The NDLEA Edo State Command and the Government invites all secondary school students in Edo South senatorial district to participate in the contest.
“The marathon aims to instill lifelong habits of fitness and promote overall well-being. In the long term, we are building a generation of future marathon race champions like the Kenyans and Ethiopians. Additionally, both the participants and spectators will gain vital information about the risks of drug abuse. Schools will have the opportunity to rally around their students, building school spirit and pride. This event encourages friendly competition and collaborative community engagement, strengthening bonds between students, teachers, and parents” the commander emphasised.
The prizes to be won will not only serve as an incentive for students to train and perform their best but can also assist in funding their educational pursuits.
This edition will be immediately followed by the second and third phase at the Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts respectively. After that, it will be the turn of Edo South Senatorial District again. The objective is to expand this positive movement across the state and continuously engage youth in health-promoting activities that discourage drug use.
The Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon promises to be more than just a competition; it is a proactive step toward fostering a healthier, highly knowledgeable and resilient youth population in Edo State.
As students lace up their running shoes and prepare for race day, they will not only be racing for prizes but also standing united against the epidemic of substance abuse that threatens the future of their generation.
