The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has received accolades for her anti-drug abuse enlightenment efforts.
This was disclosed during a working visit by the NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju to the Esama of Benin Kingdom and Honorary Romanian Consul to Edo and Delta States, Sir Chief Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, and the Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Barrister Sam Offiah. The visit was aimed at garnering support for anti-drug abuse initiatives.
Speaking at the GRA residence of the Esama of Benin, Commander Mitchell underscored the importance of partnership with an influential community leader and elder statesman, Chief Igbinedion, whom he described as a champion in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse as well as other related societal vices.
According to the NDLEA Commander, one of the mandates given him by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. General Mohammed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON, was to unite all stakeholders in tackling the drug problem in Edo State.
Mitchell emphasised that the NDLEA is actively addressing the drug scourge through comprehensive strategies aimed at both drug supply control and drug demand reduction.
He expressed hope that when leaders like Chief Igbinedion lend their support to the campaign, it indisputably helps to amplify anti-drug advocacy efforts.
“One of my mandates given by the Chairman, Brig. General Marwa, is to build a united front by bringing stakeholders under one canopy in confronting the drug challenge in the state. In recognition of your towering influence and strategic role as a champion of peace and safe society, we are here to solicit your fatherly support,” Mitchell stated.
In response, Chief Igbinedion commended the Commander and his team for their relentless work in sanitising the society.
“Your efforts are vital and, importantly, lifesaving,” he remarked, while highlighting the role of the NDLEA in eliminating illicit drugs that jeopardise the health and well-being of citizens.
Commander Mitchell also visited the headquarters of the Benin Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), where he met with the Zonal Commander, Barrister Sam Offiah.
At the meeting, Mitchell sought collaboration between the NDLEA and NAPTIP, emphasising the crucial link between human trafficking and illicit drug trafficking.
“Understanding the nexus between these two critical issues is essential for strengthening our collective response. We understand that victims of drug trafficking are vulnerable tools in the hands of the traffickers, and it is important to adopt preventive strategies,” Commander Mitchell stated.
He noted that the synergy between the NDLEA and NAPTIP is imperative for a more robust fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State.
Barrister Sam Offiah, who welcomed Commander Mitchell and other members of his entourage, highlighted the functions of NAPTIP.
According to him, “NAPTIP is charged with enforcing laws related to trafficking, preventing trafficking, coordinating investigations and prosecution, and providing assistance to victims, as well as raising public awareness,” he explained.
The meetings serve as a pivotal reminder of the collaborative approach necessary to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking and other social vices in the country. With the support of community leaders and strategic agencies, the NDLEA aims to strengthen its initiatives to create a healthier and safer society.
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