NDLEA seeks community support against drug abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called upon traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community figures to lend their support in the fight against drug abuse within their respective spheres of influence. Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (retd.), the Chairman of the NDLEA, made this appeal during his visit to the palace of the Igumale Community monarch in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. He reiterated this message in Otukpo Community, as noted in a statement released by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday.

During a foundation-laying ceremony for a 20-kilometre road, facilitated by Francis Agbo, the member representing Ado-Ogbadigbo-Okpokwu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Marwa commended the lawmaker for his contributions to the fight against drug abuse. He emphasized the significance of these developments, stating that they reflect the importance of the community and local government to Nigeria’s welfare. Marwa also acknowledged Agbo’s role in advocating for the amendment of the NDLEA Act, expressing hope that it would be passed by the National Assembly before the end of the ninth Assembly.

Marwa urged the community to take action, stating, “I will also want to use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of this constituency to do their utmost to ensure we keep our communities clean of illicit drugs.” He highlighted that keeping Nigeria safe from dangerous substances is the NDLEA’s mandate, but achieving this goal requires the active participation of citizens. To facilitate this engagement, the agency has launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, a social advocacy initiative aimed at reaching communities across the country. Since its inception in 2021, WADA has made significant strides in bringing awareness to grassroots communities.

As the campaign intensifies this year, Marwa encouraged everyone to participate in this platform for social action, inviting all well-meaning Nigerians to become stakeholders in the collective effort to protect society from the drug scourge. In response, the monarchs and community leaders present at the various ceremonies pledged their support for the NDLEA’s mission and assured their commitment to collaborating with the agency to eliminate illicit drugs from their areas.