Marathon: 250 runs to stop drug abuse in Gombe
No fewer than 250 registered runners with over 500 spectators on Saturday participated in the Gombe 2021 marathon used to commemorate the state’s Silver Jubilee.
Recall that the state was created in 1996 by the Abacha led regime and has since being waxing strong in population, economy and politics.
However, due to the growing drug abuse in the state the yearly event serves as an opportunity to harness talents and reshape the minds, especially the desires of Gombe youths towards positive venture.
The runners were received by large crowd of spectators and sports enthusiasts who came out to give support to the participants, the marathon was tagged ‘to stop drug abuse’.
Speaking, Convener of the Marathon, Pharm. Nzomisaki Shadrach, lauded partners of the event, while calling on Government and Civil society Organizations to key into the initiative.
He said, “They should key in towards providing sponsorships for future events as the Marathon Race is an annual program that will continue to give it best in the fight against drug abuse.
“It will in turn harness young talents in athletics and other form of sports and entertainment.”
Also, Akomolafe Adekola, Assistant Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gombe State Command lamented the indiscriminate use of drug among youths.
According to Adekola, marijuana (We-we) is the most commonly abused drug in Gombe and has destroyed the lives of so many young people.
While offering open invitation to those who may need help to come for rehabilitation, he called on the general public to report anyone or place where Marijuana is being Planted or kept.
He drew the attention of the youth especially when friends offer them drinks they are not too sure about as some are known for putting drugs into drinks like coke and other beverages.
“If you have someone that is a drug abuser, you shouldn’t approach him, just report him to us (NDLEA), we know how to approach and pick them up,” he added.
On his part, Deputy Commander of the Command, Olisaemeka Okafor, whose speech heralded the marathon called on youths in Gombe to eschew all forms of drug abuse and embrace a better life for a better future.
Okafor said, “NDLEA as a partner in this race is here to give awareness to the youth and not to arrest any one.
“No runner should take any drug to make them run faster because at the end of the race the winners will be tested for drug use and if found guilty of such, it is an automatic disqualification.”
While promising the support of NDLEA in the fight against Drug abuse, “I want to call on those who are already addicted to come for rehabilitation at the NDLEA treatment and care centre in Gombe,” Okafor added.
