The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has taken its monthly “School Is No Scam” enlightenment campaign to Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The campaign, organised by the Commission’s Department of Community Development and Public Enlightenment, CD&PE, was held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and focused on discouraging students and youths from embracing the belief that formal education is a scam.
Speaking at the event, the Head of CD&PE, Mrs Chinenye Ezonfade, represented by the Divisional Head of Public Enlightenment, Mrs Okeoghene Etume, urged the students to recognise education as a foundation for personal development and societal progress.
She said the campaign was designed to correct the growing perception among some young people that schooling was unnecessary, stressing that education remained critical to the advancement of individuals and society.
According to her, the programme also sought to sensitise students to the dangers of social vices, including drug abuse, cultism, early pregnancy and other behaviours capable of undermining their education and future prospects.
Ezonfade commended the DESOPADEC Board, led by its Chairman, Chief John Obukohwo Nani, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Festus Ochonogor, for supporting initiatives aimed at addressing social challenges in the Commission’s mandate areas.
She also acknowledged the contribution of the Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, describing his support for the programme as commendable.
“I thank the Principal and her team for making adequate arrangements for this programme and organising the students. I equally thank our Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, who is from this community. He has been wonderful. Kudos to him,” she said.
Earlier, the Principal of Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Mrs Oruekpedi Tariwariere, thanked DESOPADEC for selecting the school for the enlightenment campaign.
She said the school would encourage the students to share the lessons from the programme with their peers and the wider community.
Tariwariere, however, appealed to DESOPADEC to assist the school with furniture, including chairs, desks and tables for students and teachers.
“We have good classrooms, but we lack chairs, desks and tables for proper learning,” she said.
Also speaking, the representative of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Couple Monbene II, Chief Prince Ese Gbenebode, commended DESOPADEC for the initiative and urged the students to take advantage of educational opportunities to prepare themselves for the future.
The programme featured a debate on the theme, “School Is No Scam,” as well as sensitisation sessions on drug abuse, cultism, early pregnancy and other social vices.
Mrs Esther Obashe and Mrs Elizabeth Odisu, who spoke on the various topics, highlighted the negative effects of such behaviours on students’ education, development and future.
They urged the students to reject the notion that education was a scam, stressing that those promoting such a mindset were not acting in the best interests of young people or society.
The event ended with the presentation of prizes to winners of the debate. Johnson Godwin emerged first, Johnson Isaac came second, while Ebiemere Favour and Zikene Favor were also recognised among the winners.
Others at the event included the Divisional Head, Community Development, Mr Afe Robinson Orumohi; Coordinator, Ogbe-Ijoh Area Office, DESOPADEC, Mr Atseponu Solomon; Vice Principal, Academics, Mrs Oweikikpodor Mercy; Youth President, Peter Ediri; PRO, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Timipere Gbenebode; and Ogbe-Ijoh Mobilisation Officer, Oromoni Joseph.
