By Our Correspondent

National News – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has trained members of the National Youth Service Corps Drug Free Club in Edo State to become anti-drug abuse advocates.

The one-day “Anti-Drug Abuse Train the Trainer” seminar was held in Benin City on Thursday as part of efforts to reduce substance abuse among Nigerian youths through grassroots sensitisation and awareness campaigns.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the training was organised to equip corps members with the knowledge and communication skills needed to educate young people about the dangers of illicit drugs.

He explained that youths remain one of the most vulnerable groups affected by drug abuse in Nigeria, making preventive education and community engagement necessary.

During the programme, Ofoyeju decorated the President of the NYSC Drug Free Club, Patience Ichin, as a War Against Drug Abuse partner.

He urged participants to act as role models and peer educators within their communities and places of primary assignment.

The NDLEA commander also distributed copies of the Edo State Command magazine to support advocacy activities and public enlightenment campaigns.

He delivered a lecture titled, “Drug Use Among Youth: A Global Perspective,” where he highlighted the social, health and security risks linked to substance abuse among young people.

Also speaking at the seminar, the Head of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation of the command, Hope Aigbogun, described corps members as strategic change agents capable of influencing positive behavioural change in society.

The training programme also featured a drug exhibition session where participants identified common illicit substances and learned about their harmful effects on health, safety and national development.