Delta State will prioritize job creation and youth empowerment to combat drug abuse and unemployment [1, 2].

This strategy shifts the focus from purely punitive measures to economic intervention. By addressing the root causes of instability, officials aim to provide viable alternatives for young people who might otherwise turn to narcotics.

Brave Enodeh, the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, said the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will prioritize job creation, skills acquisition, and youth empowerment to tackle unemployment and curb drug abuse [1]. Enodeh said that providing these opportunities is a central part of the state's approach to social stability.

The initiative focuses on equipping young residents with marketable skills to ensure they can compete in the labor market. This approach targets the intersection of economic hardship and public health crises—specifically the rise of drug use in areas with high unemployment [1, 2].

Enodeh said he has assured young people in the state that the government is committed to these empowerment programs [2]. The administration intends to integrate skills acquisition into a broader framework of youth development to ensure long-term sustainability.

By focusing on employment, the state hopes to create a cycle of productivity that reduces the appeal of illicit substances. The programs are designed to reach youth across the state, providing them with the tools necessary for financial independence [1].

“Delta State will prioritise job creation, skills acquisition and youth empowerment to tackle unemployment and curb drug abuse.”

This policy indicates a shift toward a socio-economic model of public health in Nigeria. By linking drug abuse directly to unemployment, Delta State is treating substance abuse as a symptom of economic failure rather than solely a criminal issue, suggesting that economic empowerment is viewed as the most effective form of prevention.