AS NDLEA’S BOSS RALLIES LGA, TRADITIONAL LEADERS FOR ILLICIT DRUG ADVOCACY
By Bilkisu Adejoh
The effort to eradicate illicit drugs has called for collaboration of Local Government Chairmen, and traditional rulers as agents of change in society.
This is part of the major advocacy drive by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) and the Delta state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Both political elites unanimously stated this during a three-day working visit paid by the NDLEA boss to the governor at the Delta State Government House in Asaba on Friday 3rd November 2023.
Speaking at the meeting, Marwa said for Nigeria to defeat the twin evil of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, it must rise across communities and cities to overcome drug abuse.
According to him, the 2018 prevalence rate of drugs stood at 18% in Delta while a projected rate of 40% rise in drug abuse is expected by 2030 in Africa, and he called on all well-meaning citizens to strategies to ensure its eradication.
Nigerians and organizations must unite behind the anti-narcotics agency in its ongoing renewed efforts in drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.
Marwa therefore encouraged the governor to intensify his poverty alleviation programmes to address youth unemployment, which is a major trigger for substance abuse, even as he appealed for logistics support across the two Commands in the state to enable community-based rehabilitation.
In his response, Governor Oborevwori while commending the NDLEA boss for his steadfast dedication to duty in all national assignments said the agency has recorded success in its fight against substance drugs in the country.
We know your antecedents as military governor in Borno and Lagos state. And under your leadership, NDLEA has recorded successes, in going after drug cartels. This momentum must be sustained if we have to win the war against illicit drugs.”Nigerians appreciate what you’re doing in NDLEA, please don’t relent, and don’t be discouraged. Those involved in the illicit drug business must be dealt with.
Earlier, the NDLEA chairman had a separate meeting with chairmen of local government councils in the state seeking their support and collaboration to deploy personnel in the first quarter of 2024 as well as to set up drug control committees to enhance the war against drug abuse, WADA
Also speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Chairman of Ughelli South local council, Dr. Koffi Richard assured of adequate support to eradicate drug abuses.
We’ll give you any level of support at the LGs because you’re someone we’ve been looking up to for years. We’re willing to collaborate with you and your officers because we want peace and security in our respective LGs.
Meanwhile, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, and other traditional rulers and chiefs in his palace also throw their weight,
The subject matter of your visit is of great importance to us and Nigeria as a whole.
A statement by Femi Babafemi Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Friday 3rd November 2023 is to console the family of Fidelis Omhonrina over the tragedy of the unintended death of young Ivan and the wounding of his brother, Eromosele, as a result of a ricocheted bullet that strayed 600 meters away from the scene of an NDLEA encounter with some notorious drug dealers on 13th July in Asaba.
