The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, has trained members of the National Youth Service Corps Drug Free Club as anti-drug abuse advocates.

The one-day “Anti-Drug Abuse Train the Trainer” seminar was held in Benin on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sensitisation and prevention campaigns among young people.

Speaking during the event, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the initiative was aimed at equipping corps members with the knowledge and skills needed to promote anti-drug abuse campaigns in their communities.

According to him, corps members are expected to serve as peer educators and role models in the fight against substance abuse.

Ofoyeju also officially decorated the President of the NYSC Drug Free Club, Patience Ichin, as a War Against Drug Abuse partner.

He further presented copies of the NDLEA Edo State Command magazine to participants to support their advocacy activities.

Delivering a lecture titled “Drug Use Among Youth: A Global Perspective,” Ofoyeju highlighted the increasing rate of substance abuse among young people and its social, health, and security consequences.

He stressed that youths remain among the most vulnerable groups affected by drug abuse, making preventive education and community engagement necessary.

Also speaking at the seminar, the Head of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation of the command, Hope Aigbogun, described corps members as strategic agents of change capable of influencing positive behaviour within communities.

The training also featured a drug exhibition session where participants were educated on various illicit substances and their harmful effects.