By UCHE OGBODO

DESOPADEC Takes ‘School Is No Scam’ Campaign to Warri Youths

Commission Challenges Growing Anti-Education Narrative

THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has taken its “School Is No Scam” advocacy campaign to students and young people in Warri and its environs, urging them to embrace education, responsible choices and positive values.

The campaign, organised by the Commission’s Department of Community Development and Public Enlightenment (CD&PE), was held on Monday 31 August 2026 at Christ the King Anglican Church on Ogedegbe Street, Warri.

The programme brought together students, parents, clergy, community stakeholders, law enforcement representatives and advocacy groups to address misconceptions about education and promote discipline, personal safety and responsible behaviour among young people.

Education as a Pathway to Empowerment

Speaking at the event, the Head of CD&PE, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, said the campaign was designed to challenge the growing “school is scam” narrative and encourage young people to recognise education as an avenue for personal development, economic empowerment and societal progress.

Ezonfade reaffirmed DESOPADEC’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Chief Barr. John Nani, and Managing Director/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor, to extending the advocacy initiative to more young people across the Commission’s mandate areas.

She also urged parents and guardians to complement government and community efforts by providing their children with proper guidance, mentorship and support.

According to her, DESOPADEC has continued to invest in education, skills acquisition, bursaries, infrastructure, culture and tourism as part of its interventions in oil-producing communities.

Clergy Calls for Stronger Parental Responsibility

The Vicar of Christ the King Anglican Church, Venerable Terry Olokor, expressed concern over the moral and social challenges confronting young people and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard the next generation.

Olokor urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously by instilling discipline and sound moral values in their children.

He also advocated greater cooperation among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, community groups and advocacy bodies in addressing challenges affecting young people.

Police Campaign Promotes Speaking Out

The Police Community Safety Advocacy (POCOSAAD) team, led by CSP Omosetemi Agbede-Zuokumor, participated in the programme through its “Unmute the Voices” campaign.

Representatives of the team, Inspector Peter Emmanuel and Ambassador Rose Obi, encouraged young people to speak out whenever they felt threatened, uncomfortable or subjected to inappropriate behaviour.

They advised participants to report such concerns to trusted adults or appropriate authorities instead of remaining silent.

Youths Warned Against Drug Abuse & Peer Pressure

Ms. Elizabeth Odisu also challenged students to reject the “School is scam” mindset, stressing that education provides knowledge and skills while opening pathways to different careers and opportunities.

In a dramatic presentation, Mr. James E. Adjevabor warned young people against drug abuse and negative peer influence.

He encouraged them to make responsible decisions and seek assistance whenever they encountered challenges beyond their ability to handle alone.

Mrs. Annette Orove, a matron at Igbudu Community Health Centre, counselled young people, particularly girls, on relationships, personal boundaries and sexual health.

She urged parents to provide age-appropriate guidance and create an environment where children can discuss personal concerns without fear.

Talent & Advocacy Combined

The programme combined advocacy with entertainment and youth participation.

Activities included drama by the Anglican Youth Fellowship, debates, poetry, comedy, singing, dancing and word games, allowing participants to showcase their talents while reinforcing the central messages of the campaign.

Prizes were presented to winners of the competitions, while gifts were also distributed to other outstanding participants.

Through the initiative, DESOPADEC sought to reinforce the message that education remains an important tool for personal advancement and community development, while encouraging young people to make informed and responsible choices about their future.