NDLEA on Thursday in Asaba sought the collaboration of local government councils and that of traditional institutions in the fight against drug abuse.
Chairman of the agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa sought the collaboration during an advocacy visit to Delta on building stakeholders’ collaboration for a lasting solution to fight drug abuse and trade.
Marwa, who met with members of the Delta chapter of the association of local governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the war against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs called for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders.
The meeting, which held at the Oshimili south local government secretariat, Asaba, was attended by executive chairmen of the 25 local government councils in Delta.
“I am here in Delta to solicit your cooperation and see how we can collaborate in tackling a common enemy of our society, which is the drug scourge.
“Our determination as a nation to live in a drug-free society is not a task only for law enforcement agencies, but one that requires all hands to be on deck if we must achieve the desired result.
“It is my belief that as local government chairmen, you all have a duty to play in reaching out to our youths in the communities to sensitize them on the dangers of drug abuse.
“Drug scourge in Nigeria is on the high rate and this is alarming. The prevalence here in Delta alone is at 18 per cent and this is high for a state,’’ Marwa said.
He explained that the advocacy by the NDLEA to Delta was borne out of the desire to seek the support and collaboration of the people of the state to stop the scourge.
According to him, the first major step to tackle the menace is to deny users access to drugs by identifying and cutting off the supply channels.
The chairman said the agency had done so much in seizing and destroying illicit drugs as well as arresting and prosecuting suspects involved in the illegal business.
“Also, our second approach is the reduction of drug use by people. For those who have not started using drugs, we have to stop them and ensure they do not have access to drugs.
“Let me state here that the greatest way we plan to achieve these goals is through sensitization and advocacy and that is why we are here today,’’ Marwa stressed.
He advocated for the setting up of drug control committees at council levels to enhance the efforts of the state’s drug committees at ensuring the achievement of set goals.
The chairman stressed the need for local councils to set up rehabilitation centers in communities to help to rehabilitate victims of drug abuse.
Marwa assured the council chairmen of NDLEA’s support in the provision of personnel to work with local authorities to achieve the goals of the campaign against illicit drugs.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, chairman of ughelli south local government council, Dr Richard Kofi, assured the NDLEA chairman of their support in arresting the drug scourge.
Kofi, also state secretary of ALGON, noted the deleterious effect of drug abuse in communities and commended the NDLEA for its dogged determination to wipe out the scourge.
“Your suggestion for the establishment of drug control committees at the local government level is a welcome development to us as council chairmen.
“As chairmen of our respective council areas, we want to win this war against illicit drug use more than you do because we want peace and security in our communities.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that the drug scourge has given rise to violent crimes in our society and we cannot fold our hands and go to sleep.
“On behalf of all local councils in Delta, I assure you that we are with you in this fight at eradicating drug scourge in our societies,’’ Kofi said.
NDLEA team also paid an advocacy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Asaba, His royal majesty, Obi Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba.
At the Asagba’s Palace, the NDLEA chairman, who was received by the Asagba and his Council of Chiefs, sought the collaboration of the traditional institution at eradicating the drug scourge.
He said royal fathers and all community leaders, as custodian of culture and tradition have a role to play in educating their subjects on the dangers of drug abuse and trade.
“Your royal majesty, we at the NDLEA are here today to partner and seek the support and collaboration of traditional institutions and the communities to arrest the drug scourge.
“In our national life, we appreciate traditional institutions because of their role in maintaining peace and security in our communities.
“In Nigeria, our traditional rulers are highly regarded and whenever they speak, the people listen to them and that is why we are here to seek your support,’’ Marwa told the Asagba.
Responding, Obi Edozien commended the NDLEA chairman for his visit and assured him of the cooperation of the Asagba-in-Council at addressing the drug scourge.
“The subject matter you have brought before us is of great importance and concern to us here in Asaba and the Nigerian society at large.
“There is no doubt that the issue of drug scourge is a great danger to us all because human lives are concerned.
“You have done very well in recognizing the importance of traditional institutions in achieving your set goals because politicians have limited access to the people.
“The only way to reach the people effectively is through their established institutions which is the traditional rulers and we will work with you to achieve results.
“I wish you success in your endeavor to rid Nigeria of drug menace,’’ Edozien said.
