By Innocent Orok
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Marine Command on Wednesday, 26, June 2024, joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s United Nations week Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Commander of the NDLEA Marine Command, Paul Ahom among other security agencies and stakeholders took the campaign round 26 Riverine Communities in Lagos State to educate and sensitise them on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
Ahom said his team was on a mission to enlighten residents of the dangers of hard drugs and Psychotropic Substances using the United Nations Anti- Drug week to partner with both sister’s government agencies, like the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service and other non -governmental organizations like National Association Of Patent & Proprietary Medical Dealers (NAPPMED) and the National Youth Movement of Nigeria to help in the sensitisation exercise.
In his address , Commander Paul Ahom reiterated that the NDLEA Marine Command has chosen to mark the grand finale by collaborating with NAPPMED because of it critical role and commitments in providing rural health care services within the Riverine Communities and also playing the role of first responders in providing first Aid medical emergency in these communities. He stated that NAPPMED is better positioned for community outreach and data collection to enhance the implementation of drug abuse control if adequately trained.
“This year’s Theme, ” THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR, INVEST IN PREVENTION,” underscores the undeniable fact that prevention is a key pillar in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking .”
He informed the gathering that the NDLEA Marine Command has the statutory jurisdiction to cover all the Coastal Riverine Communities from Badagry in Lagos State to Bakassi in Cross River State, Onshore and Offshore platforms as well as the major rivers and inland water Communities In Nigeria.
” The NDLEA Marine Command is committed to playing it parts in this vital mission. We recognize the devastating effects that drug abuse and trafficking can have on individuals, families and communities.Therefore, we are dedicated to enhancing our efforts to prevent drug abuse and disrupt the activities of drug traffickers operating in our waters.
” Collaboration is essential in addressing this complex challenge and I am pleased to announce our partnership with the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers ( NAPPMED). Together we will work hand in hand to promote awareness, provide education and implement prevention programs that will help reduce the demand for illicit drugs and curb their supply.”
The campaign rally was hosted at playing ground of the Palace of the Oba of Tamaro Kingdom, Oba Musiliu Audio Yusuf . The Oba while receiving the NDLEA team thank the them for the initiative and promised to provide a piece of Land at Tamaro for the agency to site its office. He also plead with the NDLEA to employ some his youths as a way of curbing drug abuse.
Ahom however appealed to the Traditional ruler, the Baales in Council and all major stakeholders to report cases of drug abuse within their domain as strategic ambassadors and Patron of WADA advocacy, even as he promise that the NDLEA would follow through with the Community prevention awareness (CPA) Drug suppression strategy and also give recognition to the best Riverine Community.
Also speaking, Mr Youloufun Celestine, NAPPMED Chairman Onisiwo Island Zone and Ike Johnson , National President, Nigeria Youth Assembly applauded the efforts of the NDLEA and promised to escalate it to the global space , especially for the youths across the globe.
The highlight of the event was the decoration of the Oba and other important guests as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) ambassadors.
