Daud Olatunji
In a bid to combat the growing menace of drug abuse, the Ogun State Government has pledged its full support to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) through a strategic partnership with Community Development Associations (CDAs).
A statement issued a Press Officer for the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, Lawal Taoheed, said the commitment was affirmed by the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Balogun Ademola, during a meeting with NDLEA officials at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He siad that Commissioner Balogun emphasized the importance of engaging CDAs, cooperatives, traders, and artisans’ associations in the fight against drug abuse.
Accoridng to him, the Commissioner outlined plans for an extensive sensitization campaign across the state, expressing the Ministry’s dedication to utilizing all available resources to eradicate drug abuse.
The statement quoted the commissioner as saying, “I am declaring the readiness of this Ministry to partner with NDLEA by taking the campaign against abuse across the state through the involvement of Community Development Association, Cooperative Association, and Trade and Artisan Association,” stated Alhaji Balogun.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Fatai Ogunlana, praised NDLEA’s decision to collaborate and highlighted the significance of involving various associations in achieving the campaign’s objectives.
He assured the NDLEA Commander, CN Ibiba Odili, and her team of full participation in the Ministry’s activities to raise awareness among the populace.
The State commander of the NDLEA, CN Ibiba Odili, explained that the purpose of the visit was to form a collaborative effort with the Ministry.
She said the goa of the agency l is to extend the anti-drug abuse campaign, especially to rural areas across the state.
Odili revealed alarming statistics, stating that over 72 percent of women were now involved in hard drugs, and the agency had apprehended and prosecuted over 400 individuals in 2023.
Additionally, more than 41 tons of cannabis were seized during the same period.
As a symbol of recognition for his commitment, the NDLEA Commander decorated Commissioner Alhaji Balogun Ademola as the Campaign Ambassador for Stop Drug Abuse in the State.
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