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Asaba, Delta State – August 31, 2025 – Hon. Akpososo Oghenekaro, a prominent advocate for Delta State’s progress, has issued an urgent appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritize job creation as a critical measure to curb the escalating drug addiction crisis among youths, particularly in Ughelli, Warri, and Asaba. In a heartfelt statement, Oghenekaro highlighted the link between unemployment and the growing substance abuse problem, calling for expanded economic opportunities to steer Delta’s youths away from drugs and crime.
The drug abuse epidemic has reached alarming levels across Delta State, with Ughelli, Warri, and Asaba emerging as hotspots. Reports indicate that 20-40% of students and youths in Asaba are engaged in substance misuse, involving drugs like codeine, tramadol, and cannabis, leading to severe health issues and premature deaths. In Warri South West, substance abuse is a leading cause of social decay, while Ughelli North faces rising insecurity tied to drug-fueled cultism. A 2023 study underscored the crisis, linking drug abuse to peer pressure, idleness, and social media influence, with 65% of Warri’s undergraduates citing boredom as a key factor. The Delta State Bureau for Communications has flagged tramadol and morphine abuse as contributors to mental health crises and fatalities.
Oghenekaro emphasized that unemployment, with Delta’s rate at approximately 31%, is a primary driver of this crisis. With over 2.4 million youths in the labor force, many lack viable prospects, pushing them toward substance abuse as an escape. “Idleness breeds vulnerability,” Oghenekaro stated.
“Without jobs, our youths turn to drugs, fueling a cycle of poverty, crime, and health deterioration.”
Acknowledging Governor Oborevwori’s efforts, Oghenekaro praised the MORE Agenda’s job creation initiatives, such as the MORE BIZ-UP program and the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, which have reportedly generated over 250,000 opportunities. He also commended partnerships with Brazilian farmers for agribusiness and renewable energy projects in Udu, which align with sustainable development goals. However, he stressed that the scale of the drug crisis demands more aggressive action.
Oghenekaro proposed expanding vocational training centers in Ughelli, Warri, and Asaba, focusing on agriculture, technology, and manufacturing skills. He urged the establishment of industrial hubs to attract investments and create thousands of jobs, addressing the 98.9% youth fraud and prostitution rates linked to unemployment. He also called for private-sector partnerships to fund apprenticeships and entrepreneurship grants, integrated with anti-drug education to empower at-risk youths. “People-centered industrial projects can transform Delta into a hub of opportunity, not despair,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori has previously raised concerns about drug abuse, describing it as a global issue in 2023 and supporting campaigns like mandatory drug tests for university admissions. Oghenekaro, while lauding these efforts, emphasized that tackling unemployment is the key to addressing the root cause. “Our youths are Delta’s greatest asset,” he said. “We must act swiftly to provide meaningful employment and break the cycle of addiction.”
The appeal has sparked conversations among community leaders and youth groups, who are calling for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society to build a drug-free, prosperous Delta State.