The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor (Hon.) Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, has charged Student Union Government leaders across tertiary institutions in Cross River State to spearhead the campaign against drug abuse on campuses.
Speaking at the 14th Senate sitting of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS Joint Campus Council, JCC, Cross River State, held at the Faculty of Engineering Conference Hall of the University of Cross River State, Cobham, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Anthony Okon, described drug abuse as a growing threat to the health, academic performance, and future of young people.
He reaffirmed the Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu-led administration’s commitment to partnering with student bodies to promote a safe, drug-free learning environment.
The Commissioner urged youths to use their influence to discourage substance abuse and champion positive values, stressing that student leaders are strategically positioned to drive awareness, peer education, and prevention initiatives.
In his opening remarks, the SUG President, Comrade Favour Johobe Ogar, called on students to recognize their role as leaders of today and tomorrow.
He urged them to live exemplary lives capable of positively influencing their peers, and emphasized good character, responsible leadership, and conduct worthy of emulation.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Cross River State Council, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, highlighted the critical role of youths in building a productive and responsible society. He urged students to take their academic pursuits seriously, maintain good conduct, and make choices that will contribute to personal development and societal progress.
Comrade Olayi called for a united and coordinated effort among students, campus authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders across all higher institutions in the state to tackle drug abuse. According to him, all necessary tools and mechanisms must be put in place to protect students and secure a better future for their State’s youth.
The engagement provided an avenue for student leaders and government representatives to strengthen collaboration on issues affecting students, with particular focus on the rising concern of drug abuse among youths.
Dignitaries present included the Commissioner for Information, Chief Dr. Kingsley Ikpeme, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Anthony Okon; the Pioneer Director-General of the Greater Calabar City Development Authority; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Orientation, Dr. Fufu Oganor; NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Victor Asukwo; and the SUG President of UNICROSS, Comrade Favour Johobe Ogar.
Daniel Nsa
