Edo Students Blaze Trail in Historic Anti-Drug Marathon

​In a powerful display of athleticism and advocacy, three students from Edokpolo Grammar School—Ojie Victor, Osamende Bright, and Chambaivi Miracle—have swept the top positions at the inaugural Okpebholo-Marwa Mini Marathon Against Drug Abuse in Benin City.

​The groundbreaking event, tagged “Running Against Drug Abuse,” was organised by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in partnership with the Edo State Drug Control Committee. It drew over 100 student participants from four major public institutions, including Ogbe Secondary School, Oba Akenzua Secondary School, and Oba Ewuare Grammar School.

​Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Chief of Staff Pius Alile flagged off the race at Victor Uwaifo’s Creative Hub. He commended the initiative as a visionary investment in youth development, announcing full one-year academic scholarships for the podium finishers.

​NDLEA State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju hailed the tournament as a first-of-its-kind national initiative leveraging sports to steer youth away from illicit substances. “We are running because drug abuse is destroying our children, the youth, and even elders,” Ofoyeju stated. “The fight against drugs is not limited to arrest and enforcement alone, but a balanced approach that engages our youths positively.”

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​Ojie Victor, an SSS 3 student who clinched the gold position, secured an extra incentive of free registration for his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Alongside his peers, Ojie and the other medalists were officially decorated as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Student Ambassadors, charged with taking the anti-substance campaign back to their schools and communities.

​Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Policy, Andrew Efe, confirmed that the administration intends to sustain the marathon annually as a dual platform for grassroots sports talent scouting and holistic wellness advocacy. Supported by security agencies, health ministries, and youth corps members, the historic event concluded with a resounding community pledge: “Run for health! Run for life! Run against drug abuse!”