Financial Constraints Hamper ‘Leave Hard Drugs and Live’ Campaign, Says Kelvin Ubara ~ Truth Reporters

By Kelvin Ohoror and Oruremu Queen 

   Kelvin Ubara, the author and brainchild of the Leave Hard Drugs and Live campaign, has identified inadequate funding as a major challenge confronting efforts to sensitise young people against hard drug abuse, calling for increased support to sustain the campaign and help students break free from drug-related lifestyles.

   Ubara made this known during an interview on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, where he spoke on the causes of hard drug abuse among young people, the challenges confronting the campaign, its impact on students and measures needed to reduce substance abuse in society.

   He explained that drug abuse had become a growing concern, particularly among students in secondary schools and higher institutions. He noted that while young people in the past engaged more in reading and other productive activities, many nowadays are increasingly becoming exposed to hard drugs and other harmful substances.

   According to him, the situation requires urgent attention from parents, schools, religious institutions and society at large to prevent more young people from falling into drug abuse.

   Ubara identified peer pressure as one of the major factors encouraging young people to experiment with hard drugs, explaining that some youths take drugs because they want to fit into a particular social group or gain acceptance among their peers.

   He added that some young people with low self-esteem could be influenced into drug use as they seek acceptance, confidence or a sense of belonging.

   The campaigner also stressed the importance of parental guidance and the environment in which children grow up, noting that the behaviour of parents and the values established at home could significantly influence the choices young people make.

   He observed that environmental boundaries play an important role in shaping young people's attitudes and behaviour, adding that the kind of upbringing children receive can either protect them from harmful influences or expose them to them.

   Speaking on the challenges encountered since the campaign began, Ubara identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle. He explained that although one or two individuals had offered financial support, the programme continued to require assistance to reach more young people and sustain its activities.

   He further disclosed that some students were unwilling to cooperate with campaigners, making the task of educating them about the dangers of hard drugs more difficult.

   Despite these challenges, Ubara expressed optimism about the progress recorded so far, pointing to cases in which young people had shown signs of improvement following intervention and sensitisation.

   He recounted the case of a student whose parent approached him for assistance because the child had become involved in hard drug use. According to him, the intervention helped sensitise the child, and noticeable improvements were subsequently observed in the child's behaviour.

   He said such experiences demonstrated the importance of early intervention, parental involvement and continuous engagement with young people struggling with substance abuse.

   Ubara also called for a more compassionate approach towards young people affected by drug abuse, warning that stigmatising them could worsen their situation rather than encourage recovery.

   According to him, young people struggling with drug use should not be written off or treated as outcasts. Instead, they should be encouraged to seek help, rediscover their self-worth and make positive changes in their lives.

   He urged religious institutions, schools and parents to take active roles in educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse. He emphasised the need for open communication between parents and their children, explaining that creating an atmosphere where young people feel comfortable discussing their challenges could help prevent them from seeking harmful alternatives.

   He further called on the government to strengthen efforts against the sale and distribution of illicit drugs, particularly by addressing the activities of individuals who supply such substances to young people.

   He also identified unemployment and the social pressures confronting young people as factors that could increase their vulnerability to drug abuse, urging the government to create more opportunities for youths to develop their skills and become economically productive.

   Offering advice to young people already using hard drugs or considering experimenting with them, Obara said substance abuse could not guarantee success, leadership or a meaningful future.

   “Hard drugs cannot make you the head of society, the next president in Nigeria or the next Donald Trump,” he said, urging young people to remain focused on their goals and become purpose-driven.

   He explained that young people who understand their aims and purpose in life would be better positioned to resist the temptation to use drugs as a supposed means of freedom or acceptance.

   According to him, drug abuse could draw young people into negative social circles and expose them to situations that might undermine their future.

   He warned that when young people cross dangerous boundaries without considering the consequences, they could suffer setbacks from which recovery might be difficult, especially when they lack support.

   Ubara therefore encouraged young people to establish personal boundaries, value themselves and choose their friends carefully, stressing that self-worth and positive associations were essential to making responsible decisions.

   On expectations for future campaigns, he disclosed that previous outreach activities included the distribution of textbooks, notebooks and other informative books intended to educate students, broaden their understanding and encourage them to move away from lifestyles associated with hard drug abuse.

   He said similar educational interventions could help students discover more productive interests and break away from harmful cycles, particularly those already involved in substance abuse.

   Ubara expressed hope that future editions would reach more students and provide them with the knowledge, guidance and educational materials needed to make informed decisions about their lives.

   He called for increased support from individuals, parents, schools, religious organisations and relevant authorities to strengthen the campaign and ensure that more young people benefit from its activities.

He maintained that tackling hard drug abuse required collective responsibility, sustained awareness, proper parental guidance, access to education and a supportive environment where young people could develop their potential without turning to harmful substances.