Marwa urges stakeholders to support fight against drug abuse

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has called on all leaders and stakeholders across the country to see the urgent need to rid Nigeria of the scourge of drugs.

Marwa made the appeal during a public presentation of a book titled “Victory in Defeat” written by the retired Brigadier-General. Larinde Laoye o
at the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo state.

In a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi in Abuja, Marwa said leaders at all levels must attach some urgency to the need to rid society of the threat of drugs.

Marwa said it has become necessary for the NDLEA to advocate for a new social order where drug testing becomes the norm for couples as part of marriage rites.

He said drug testing for students as a continuous process from admission to higher education institutions was not ruled out.

This, he said, included government employees as part of the employment process and periodic validation of their jobs.

He added that it was timely to awaken the awareness of the audience and all Nigerians to the urgent need for them to support the NDLEA.

He said the measures were efforts to save the country from the threat of abuse and trafficking in illicit substances.

The NDLEA boss also said it was the agency’s wish to see the younger generation follow General Laoye’s illustrious path.

“Our record at NDLEA during the first five months of this year calls for sober reflection.

“Over 5,000 arrests, over 3,000 indicted with over 500 convictions, 2,772 people have been counseled and treated for drug-related issues.

“Over two million kilograms of assorted drugs were seized and over 90 billion naira of drugs and cash recovered.

“These statistics are alarming and are red flags about the need to protect the future of the younger generation.

“We have come from all corners of our vast country, north, east and west, united in a common goal of honoring our brother and congratulating an illustrious citizen.

“In our common brotherhood here today, there is no room for ethnicity, religious prejudices or political differences. We are here like a big family, like a microcosm of Nigeria.

The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that other dignitaries present at the event included a former military governor of Lagos State, the retired Brig.-Gen. Raji Rasaki.

Others are the Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, represented by the GOC 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General. GU Chibuisi, the Olowu, Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu and Timi Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal, among others.