NAGS 7TH MEGA ELECTIVE CONVENTION: GBARAMATU STUDENTS HOLDS ANTI-DRUG AND CULTURAL AWARENESS RALLY
Students from the umbrella body of the National Association of Gbaramatu Students (NAGS) in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, staged a mass rally across the riverine kingdom advocating against drug abuse while promoting the preservation of the people's cultural heritage as part of the activities marking its 7th Mega Elective Convention which begins on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The mass rally took the students across major communities in the kingdom, namely Oporoza (the traditional headquarters), Okerenkoko, Kurutie, Kunukunuma, Benikrukru, and
Kokodiagbene communities, as part of activities marking the 2026 convention, which drew hundreds of students and youths dressed in branded NAGS attire as they rallied from one community to another bearing placards with messages encouraging responsible living, education, and cultural values.
Some of the placards displayed messages such as, "Say No to Drug Abuse, Choose Purpose, Choose Greatness," "Reject Drugs, Embrace Education, Inspire Change," and "Culture is Our Identity; Excellence is Our Legacy." Others stressed the importance of preserving indigenous culture as a pathway to securing the future of the Gbaramatu people.
The awareness campaign reflected the convention's theme, "Culture and Identity: Preserving the Heritage, Values and Legacy of Our People," highlighting the association's commitment to promoting moral values, discouraging substance abuse, and encouraging youths to embrace education and positive leadership.
Participants described drug abuse as a major threat to the future of young people and called on students across the Niger Delta to shun illicit substances, remain focused on their academic pursuits, and become ambassadors of peace and development in their respective communities.
The rally also underscored the importance of safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Gbaramatu Kingdom, with organisers urging young people to take pride in their identity while contributing meaningfully to community growth and national development.
The anti-drug and cultural awareness procession formed one of the highlights of the opening day of the NAGS 7th Mega Elective Convention, reinforcing the association's resolve to build a generation of disciplined, responsible, and culturally conscious leaders.
