“School Is No Scam”: DESOPADEC Takes Anti-Cultism, Drug Abuse Campaign to Ukwuani Schools

In a direct move to counter social vices and restore faith in formal education among teenagers in oil-producing communities, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has extended its monthly public enlightenment campaign to secondary schools in Ukwuani Local Government Area.

The initiative, themed “School Is No Scam,” was anchored by DESOPADEC’s Department of Community Development and Public Enlightenment (CD&PE) and hosted jointly at Umutu Mixed Secondary School and Umuaja Secondary School on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Countering the ‘School is a Scam’ Narrative

Delivering her opening address, the Head of Department (CD&PE), Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, explained that the commission launched the outreach to disabuse young minds of popular online narratives suggesting that formal education is unrewarding.

Ezonfade stressed that the outreach combines academic encouragement with practical awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use, gang recruitment, and cultism.

“We hope that the knowledge you shall gain here today will guide you in your journey of life in a positive direction. Pay attention, gain knowledge that will protect your future, and pass this information to your peers in the community,” Ezonfade told the students.

She lauded Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, along with the DESOPADEC Board led by Chairman Chief John Obukokwho Nani and Managing Director/CEO Chief Festus Ochonogor, for sustaining funding for grassroots youth development across host communities.

Anti-Cultism Awareness and Urgent Call for Infrastructure

The campaign featured interactive lectures and dramatic demonstrations. Miss Honeywell Eburajolo of the CD&PE department spoke on the long-term economic and moral benefits of academic discipline, while Mr. James Adjevabor delivered a practical drama highlighting how substance abuse and cultism destroy youthful potential.

Welcoming the delegation, the Principal of Umutu Mixed Secondary School, Mrs. All Ifeoma Angela Ogonegbu, praised DESOPADEC for selecting the area for the outreach, describing the intervention as timely and vital for character formation.

Mrs. Ogonegbu also seized the opportunity to appeal to the commission for urgent infrastructural intervention, revealing that Umutu Mixed Secondary School faces an acute shortage of classroom desks and chairs for students.

Representing the Member representing Ukwuani Ethnic Nationality on the DESOPADEC Board (Surv. Azuka Enebeli), his Personal Assistant, Engr. Harry Nwachukwu, assured the school leadership that Enebeli—an alumnus of both Umutu Mixed and Umuaja Secondary Schools—remains actively committed to addressing the physical infrastructure needs of his alma maters.

Umuaja Secondary School Tops Inter-School Debate

A major highlight of the event was an inter-school debate competition on the topic “School Is No Scam.”

Following energetic rounds of argument between students of both institutions, Umuaja Secondary School emerged victorious, claiming the 1st and 2nd prizes, while Umutu Mixed Secondary School secured the 3rd and 4th positions. Winners were presented with educational materials and cash prizes.

The event was attended by community leaders, educational stakeholders, and DESOPADEC officials, including Mr. Afe Robinson Orumohi (Divisional Head, Community Development), Mrs. Etume Okeoghene (Divisional Head, Public Enlightenment), Mr. Uche Ozue (Coordinator, Obiaruku Area Office), Mr. Adibor F. (Principal, Umuaja Secondary School), and Mr. Igbe A. (English Teacher, Umuaja Secondary School).