Nahouri: Students from Po are being educated about road safety and drug use. The Association of Directors and Heads of Department of Po, in collaboration with the provincial directorate in charge of Secondary Education of Nahouri and the provincial directorate of the national police of Nahouri, organized this Saturday, December 6, 2025, a training session on road traffic and drug consumption for secondary school students in the city of Po.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the training session aimed to address the growing concerns about road safety and drug use among students. Assane Djim, the treasurer of the Amicale, highlighted the frequent occurrence of accidents in Po and the resulting loss of life. "These accidents often result in loss of life, which is deplorable. It is therefore to reverse this trend that the association of directors and heads of department has chosen to raise awareness among road users, particularly students, about road incivility and drug use," said Mr. Djim.

The session, lasting over three hours, featured insights from the head of the accident department at the central police station in Po, Lieutenant Harouna Sawadogo, and his team. They discussed the types of accidents, their causes, and solutions. Key causes included speed, alcohol and drug consumption, and non-compliance with traffic laws. They advised, "In case of an accident, you must call the toll-free number 17 and mark the accident site with leaves while waiting for the emergency services to arrive."

The regional anti-drug unit also addressed the issue of drug consumption, which is prevalent in Po. Police sub-lieutenant Adonko Bekouene explained the different types of drugs, their usage, and consequences such as decreased performance and health issues. He emphasized the importance of awareness and reintegration efforts, stating, "To fight against drugs, we must raise awareness, repress and reintegrate users into society."

Police statistics revealed 56 arrests in Po in 2024, including 12 students, and in 2025, 115 arrests along with the seizure of prohibited products. The session concluded with proposals for awareness campaigns, parental involvement, and strengthened border controls.

Each class representative from public and private schools was tasked with disseminating the information to their peers. The session was supported by the Secretary General of Nahouri province, Emile Hien, highlighting the community's commitment to addressing these critical issues.