DESOPADEC Takes “School Is No Scam” Campaign to Ughelli South Students

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has continued its monthly sensitisation campaign against social vices, taking its “School Is No Scam” advocacy to students of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The campaign, organised by the Commission’s Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Otu-Jeremi Secondary School, Otu-Jeremi.

Addressing the students, Head of Department, Community Development and Public Enlightenment, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, represented by Mrs. Etume Okeoghene, Divisional Head of Public Enlightenment, said the Commission remained committed to changing the negative mindset among youths about education.

According to her, DESOPADEC’s intervention was aimed at safeguarding the future of students and discouraging the growing “School is a Scam” mentality among youths.

“The Commission’s intervention is clear because we care, and our purpose and intention is to safeguard the future of our youth in the direction of ‘School is no Scam,’” she stated.

She commended the DESOPADEC Board led by Chairman, Chief John Obukokwho Nani, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, for supporting the sensitisation programme across the Commission’s mandate areas.

Mrs. Okeoghene also urged students to become ambassadors of the campaign by spreading the message against social vices among their peers.

Earlier, Principal of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School, Mrs. Obokeno Emily, welcomed the DESOPADEC team and praised the initiative, describing it as timely in view of rising social vices and moral decadence affecting young people.

“I want to thank you and the Board of DESOPADEC for this initiative. It is timely, knowing well the social vices and moral decadence ravaging society. It is a wake-up call to save our youth from this wrong notion of ‘School is a Scam,’” she said.

The event featured a debate competition between students of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School and Igwreka Technical College on the topic, “School Is No Scam.”

At the end of the contest, Miss Success Onojode of Otu-Jeremi Secondary School emerged winner, while Miss Emmanuella Eloho finished second. Consolation prizes were presented to participants from Igwreka Technical College, including Tekevwe John Oghene, Jessica Onovughe and Anna Oghenekome.

Resource persons, Mr. James Adjevabor and Honeywell Eburajolo, also educated the students on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and substance misuse, while encouraging them to remain focused on their education and avoid negative influences.

The programme ended with the presentation of school bags and notebooks to the contestants.