Olori Atuwatse III Leads Initiative Against Substance Abuse in Delta as Olu marks 4th Coronation Anniversary
The wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III
By Jonathan Onu
As part of activities marking the 4th Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the wife of the revered monarch, Her Highness, Olori Atuwatse III, has embarked on a campaign aimed at combating the rising tide of substance abuse among youths in Delta State.
Aptly tagged "Warri Beyond Drugs", the initiative which is the second edition of the sensitization campaign was flagged off on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Esisi Road, Warri South Local Government Area, with the objective of achieving a drug-free Warri.
Themed "The Socio-Economic Impact of Substance Abuse Among the Youths," the initiative which brought together community leaders, health professionals, youths and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges posed by drug abuse in the region, aims at raising awareness and providing solutions to drug-related issues among the youths.
Olori Atuwatse III in her opening remarks emphasized the importance of addressing substance abuse as a collective responsibility.
"Our youth are the future of our society, and it is our duty to protect them from the clutches of drugs and addiction," she stated.
According to the Olori, "this initiative is not just about raising awareness; it is about fostering a supportive environment where our young people can thrive without the influence of harmful substances."
Speaking in the same vein, a resource speaker, Dr. Onyi Owa-Nwabuzo reiterated the need for sustained advocacy among the youth.
She said, "Some communities fawn about the establishment of mental health facilities. Advocacy is important to tackle these issues.
"Mental health leads to drug abuse, those who abuse substances should be taken to health facilities and stop stigmatising them. Mental health is a serious problem.
The event featured other notable speakers including health experts and former addicts who shared their personal stories of recovery and resilience.
They highlighted the socio-economic ramifications of substance abuse, including increased crime rates, loss of productivity, and the strain on healthcare systems. Participants were encouraged to engage in open discussions about the stigma surrounding addiction and the need for community support in rehabilitation efforts.
The event was attended by Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Man O' War group, government agencies and numerous foundations.
