In a bold move to tackle drug abuse and trafficking among young people, the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with Governor Monday Okpebholo to launch the Anti-Drug Abuse Mini Marathon for secondary school students.

The event, themed “Edo Students Running Against Drug Trafficking and Abuse”, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and will feature a 3.5km race for students aged 13 to 17 from both public and private schools.

Speaking in Benin City during the flag-off on Thursday, NDLEA State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju said the competition is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, discouraging drug abuse, and empowering young people.

“Students enjoy sports, and this is a positive way to attract them to embrace anti-drug values,” Ofoyeju explained. “While having fun, they also stand a chance to win fantastic prizes.”

Prizes for winners include:

N2 million for first place (gold medalist)

N1.5 million for second place (silver medalist)

N1 million for third place (bronze medalist)

Beyond the financial incentives, Ofoyeju emphasized that the marathon will help instill lifelong fitness habits, strengthen community bonds, and even nurture future marathon champions like those from Kenya and Ethiopia.

The maiden edition will take place in Edo South Senatorial District on Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting at King’s Square and ending at Kada Junction, Benin Sapele Road. Subsequent editions will cover Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.

Registration is free and open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, via https://bit.ly/ndleaedo.

“This marathon is more than a race,” Ofoyeju said. “It’s a movement to protect our youth, build school pride, and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.”