NDLEA has done better than expected in Nigeria — Don
A Professor of Clinical-Forensic Psychology at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra, Prof. Ogochukwu Harry Obi-Nwosu, has estimated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) high for “performing beyond expectation in Nigeria”.
He said the rating was as a result of the Agency’s unrelenting effort in the fight against drug abuse, illicit trafficking and it continues awareness campaign programmes among youths across communities in the country.
Prof. Obi-Nwosu, a member of the University Governing Council, made the commendation at the School auditorium, on Saturday, during the 2023 World Drug Day celebration with the Theme; people First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.
He said I am commending the NDLEA, because, as you can see, the agency is doing very well in which every responsible and law abiding Nigerian can attest to. The Agency are not only fighting the drug users but also educating the youths on the danger of being a drug addict. They always justified whatever funds they got from the government, foundations, NGOs and Philanthropists, just like the one the Traditional ruler of Ogidi community, Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido, have done, in sponsoring this year celebration.
While appealing for more financial support for the agency, Prof. Nwosu, who is also the Director of the University Centre for Counselling and Carrier Development, use the event to call on the public, especially youths, to shun drug abuse and illicit trafficking for a better society.
The chairman of the agency retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, who was a special guest at the occasion, warned the students and other participants not to allow any condition being it positive or negative, to lure them into illicit activities, noting that taking illicit substances and intoxicants such as drugs are forbidden among children of God and add no value to lives.
“When you take drugs, these are mind uttering substances which do not allow you to respect anyone, including the Almighty God himself.
“The health consequences you do to yourself and to the society at large is also another negative result when doing illicit drugs.
“And this intake of drugs are the reasons we are facing the destruction of our youths, families and communities.
“For this reason, it is very important on the occasion of the World Drug Day to pray for the nation against drug use and this is significant today and also for advocacy purposes.
The NDLEA boss was represented by the Zonal Commander in charge of Imo, Abia and Anambra States, Mr. Sumaila Ethan, an Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN), of the Agency.
In his address, the NDLEA State Commander, Mr. Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna, said between February and June, 2023 when he assumed office, Anambra has witnessed a tremedious reduction in drug abuse and illicit trafficking related activities in the state.
He noted that within the stated period, the Command has seized a total of 833kg of different drugs, successfully rehabilitated 25 drug addicts back to the society and 25 others are also currently undergoing rehabilitation classes at the Agency Rehabilitation Centre in Onitsha.
He announced that recruitment of 5,000 personnel into the agency is ongoing.
Mr Ogbonna, appealed to the public to stop stigmatising drug abusers.
In his royal remark, the Traditional ruler of Ogidi Community, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido, who was represented by his son, Dr. Ifenna Uzo Onyido, reminded the Unizik students on the need to shun illicit drug use and substances.
