• As NDLEA boss rallies LG chairmen, traditional rulers, others against illicit drugs in major advocacy drive
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state have emphasized the vital need for collective action among Nigerians to eradicate the twin scourges of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking that afflict communities and cities across the nation.
According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, this shared commitment was articulated during their discussions when General Marwa paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Asaba, the state capital, as part of his three-day working visit, which concluded on November 3, 2023.
During this visit, General Marwa outlined his three primary objectives. First, he came to Delta to personally offer condolences to the family of Mr. Fidelis Omhonrina, following the tragic accidental death of young Ivan and the injury sustained by his brother, Eromosele, due to a stray bullet during an NDLEA operation against notorious drug dealers on July 13 in Asaba.
His second aim was to assess the operational needs of the Delta state command and the Delta Ports command of the NDLEA, with a view to mobilizing officers and personnel to combat drug cartels operating in the state.
Lastly, he aimed to unite key stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse in Delta, a state with a 2018 prevalence rate of 18%.
General Marwa underscored the urgency of the situation, citing a projected 40% increase in drug abuse in Africa by 2030.
He called for the support of all well-meaning Nigerians and organizations to bolster the anti-narcotics agency’s efforts in reducing both drug supply and demand.
He encouraged Governor Oborevwori to intensify poverty alleviation programs to address youth unemployment, a major driver of substance abuse, and requested logistical support for the two NDLEA commands in the state.
He also proposed the establishment of drug control committees at the state, local government, and community levels, along with the provision of rehabilitation centres in each of the state’s three senatorial zones.
General Marwa commended the governor for his effective governance and dedication to the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state. In response, Governor Oborevwori praised General Marwa’s consistent leadership and unwavering commitment to national duties, recalling his tenure as military governor in Borno and Lagos states.
He stressed the importance of sustaining the NDLEA’s momentum in pursuing drug cartels and expressed his full support and partnership in eradicating the drug menace in the state.
Governor Oborevwori expressed his gratitude to General Marwa for his empathy and swift response to the July incident, assuring him of the nation’s appreciation for the NDLEA’s efforts.
He urged General Marwa not to relent in the fight against illicit drugs and emphasized the need to confront those involved in the drug trade.
Furthermore, the NDLEA engaged in a separate meeting with the chairpersons of local government councils in the state, seeking their support and collaboration as the agency prepared to deploy personnel to local governments across the country in early 2024.
The NDLEA encouraged them to establish drug control committees at the local government, community, and ward levels to disseminate anti-drug advocacy messages to the grassroots.
In response, Chairman of Ughelli South local council, Dr. Koffi Richard, expressed their willingness to collaborate and provide support at the local government level, citing General Marwa as a respected figure they had looked up to for years and a beacon of peace and security for their respective local governments.
During another meeting, General Marwa met with the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, and other traditional rulers and chiefs in the palace.
He urged them to establish drug control committees in their domains and sought their partnership in the fight against illicit drugs.
The respected monarch assured General Marwa of the traditional institution’s readiness to support his efforts, emphasizing the critical importance of the visit to both his community and Nigeria as a whole.
General Marwa and his team also visited the home of Mr. Fidelis Omhonrina, where they reassured the family of continued support over the loss of Ivan and the plans to facilitate Eromosele’s treatment abroad.
The family expressed their gratitude for the visit and the support they received.
