The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to collaborate with the agency in the fight against drug abuse in their various communities.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.) made the call while speaking at the palace of the Igumale Community monarch in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State and reiterated the call in Otukpo Community also in the state, according to a statement by the agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday.
He challenged the community and religious leaders to champion the campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in their communities
Marwa during the foundation laying ceremony and the unveiling of a 20-kilometre road facilitated by the member representing Ado-Ogbadigbo-Okpokwu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Francis Agbo, hailed the lawmaker for his role in the fight against drug abuse.
“Both developments are signs of the importance of this community and local government to Nigeria’s welfare and also a testament that communities in this corner of the country are not left out of the dividends of democracy by its leaders.
“At the same time, he has also been one of the key drivers of the amendment of the NDLEA Act which we are hopeful will be passed by the National Assembly before the end of the tenure of the ninth Assembly.
“Even as he worked on the national stage, he also remains an embodiment of the saying that ‘charity begins at home.
Admonishing the community, Marwa said: “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.
“Keeping Nigeria safe from dangerous substances is the mandate of NDLEA; the mandate, however, cannot be attained without the contribution of Nigerians.”