The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Edo State government, has flagged off the Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon for secondary schools.

The novel initiative is 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 resonate with the vulnerable young population. Students like recreation and sports are 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, while the silver medalist for the second place gets N1.5 million, and the bronze medal for the third position attracts N1 million.”

The marathon competition is a continuous exercise that will be held in phases across the three senatorial districts of Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North.

The maiden edition, which covers all secondary schools in Edo South, will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The 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 bona fide secondary school students from the Edo South Senatorial District are welcome to register for the competition. Participation is a subscription for physical fitness and building a supportive community around healthy choices.

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 invite all secondary school students in the Edo South senatorial district to participate in the contest.

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.

The NDLEA said the edition will be immediately followed by the second and third phases at the Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, respectively. After that, it will be the turn of the 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, it said.