Winners of NDLEA mini-marathon race get scholarship

Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has given full year scholarships to three students of Edokpolor Grammer School who took first, second and third positions at the first edition of the Okpebholo and Marwa mini marathon against drug abuse.

The three students were Ojei Victor, Bright Osewengie and Miracle Chamberlin respectively.

Besides the scholarships, the students were decorated as War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors of the NDLEA while the first prize winner would get free registration for the Senior Secondary School Certificate examination.

Tagged Running Against Drug Abuse, the race was flagged off by the Deputy Governor Hon Dennis Idahosa.

Participants raced through the Airport road from the St Paul Catholic Church to the Oba Ovoranmen Square.

Edo Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the fight against drugs was not limited to arrest but positive engagement of the youths through sports, education, and empowerment programmes.

Ofoyeju said the NDLEA and the Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC) remained committed to drug-abuse-free schools and communities.

Idahosa said: "We decided to do something novel that will resonate with the students. This race also serves as a talent hunt in grassroots sports development. Ultimately, while running and having fun, we are equally identifying great athletes and Olympic champions as we inculcate in them strong values of a drug-free lifestyle.

"The winners will be formally decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Student Ambassadors for Edo State. They will carry our message to their schools, their communities, and on social media. A message of truth and hope that you can be a champion and actualise your goals without drugs.

"To all our students who are running today, you are all winners. Whether you come first or last, you have made a statement. You have chosen life over drugs, you have chosen books over methamphetamine, and you have chosen sports over tramadol and Colos."

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Policy, Mr. Andrew Efe, assured participants that the Okpebholo-Marwa Marathon would be sustained.