Three students of Edopkolor Grammar School, Benin City have been awarded full one-year academic scholarships and appointed anti-drug ambassadors after winning the maiden Okpebholo/Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse.
The race, organised by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Edo State Drug Control Committee, held on Saturday in Benin City with over 100 students drawn from four public schools: Edopkolor Grammar School, Ogbe Secondary School, Oba Akenzua Secondary School and Oba Ewuare Grammar School.
The race, tagged “Running Against Drug Abuse,” took off at Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, passed through King Square and terminated at Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub.
It was flagged off by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Pius Alile. He announced that Governor Monday Okpebholo had approved full one-year academic scholarships for the winners.
The first position was won by Ojie Victor (SS3), second by Osamende Bright (SS2), and third by Chambaivi Miracle (SS2), all from Edopkolor Grammar School. The first prize winner will also enjoy free registration for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the marathon was historic — the first of its kind dedicated to secondary school students running against drug abuse. He said the event also serves as a talent hunt for grassroots sports development and a platform to inculcate drug-free values.
The winners will be formally decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) student ambassadors for Edo State, carrying the anti-drug message to their schools, communities and social media.
“To all our students who are running today, you are all winners. You have chosen life over drugs, you have chosen books over methamphetamine, and you have chosen sports over tramadol and Colos,” Ofoyeju said.
