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By Jethro Ibileke
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), on Thursday declared a total war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.
Marwa, who was in Benin City for a stakeholders’ meeting, with the theme: Addressing the drug problems in Edo State, said he came personally to lead the fight because Edo remains a major hub for cultivation, consumption and transit of illicit drugs.
“I’m here personally to declare war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss who further reiterated call for compulsory drug test for intending couples, described drug abuse as a fundamental problem that must be fixed, noting that the drug scourge does not discriminate by region, religion, tribe or gender.
“It is our responsibility to remain steadfast in this fight and win it. We must win the war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State,” he said.
He said the NDLEA cannot do it alone and called for a whole-of-society approach, urging all stakeholders to join hands, collaborate and defeat the criminality for the sake of children and the future of the country.
Marwa thanked the 4 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Ahmed Balogun, the State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daoor and the leadership of other security agencies for their partnership and readiness to support the NDLEA command in the state.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the Wife of the Edo Governor and Chairperson of the state Drug Control Committee, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, described drug abuse as a growing threat to families and communities.
She said its consequences included health challenges and financial hardship for families struggling to rehabilitate affected relatives.
Okpebholo-Anani commended the NDLEA’s alternative development initiative, which encourages cannabis farmers to adopt legitimate livelihoods, describing it as an innovative approach to addressing the economic drivers of illegal cultivation.
She said Edo was interested in replicating the pilot project and had received a positive response from the agency.
Also in his goodwill message, the 4 Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen Ahmed Balogun, noted that the Army in Edo enjoys a robust collaboration with the NDLEA State Command, to the point that during joint operations, it is often difficult to differentiate between military personnel and NDLEA operatives.
“Most times when we go out on operations, you will rather differentiate which is the military and which is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, noted that the stakeholder engagement meeting presents a veritable platform to review collective effort and identify gaps in the fight against drugs abuse and illicit trafficking in Edo State.
“It will also help us to strengthen intelligence and community collaboration for more effective prevent prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation. Enhance public awareness on the dangers of illicit drugs and the need for early intervention,” he said.
Ofoyeju added that the meeting will help to chart a sustainable roadmap for a drug-free Edo State.
“I therefore urge everyone of us to participate actively, share insights freely, and contribute meaningful ideas that will further strengthen our resolve and ultimately our strategies.
“Let us remember that the future of our children and our communities, and of course, our nation Nigeria, depends on the actions we take today,” Ofoyeju said.
English (US) ·