The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs. She stated that no single agency can address the problem of drug abuse alone, emphasizing the need for a united effort involving government agencies, security institutions, civil society, families, and communities.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu made these remarks during a three-day workshop on drug use prevention education organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for security leaders in Lagos. The workshop was themed “Consolidating Synergy in Drug Control Efforts.” She highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that the theme underscores the necessity of synergy among stakeholders.
“I’m pleased to attend the opening ceremony of the training on drug use prevention education for security operatives organised by the Lagos Strategic Command of the NDLEA. This training will help consolidate synergy in drug control efforts. It’s critical to the well-being of our society. It is also timely in giving officers of the law the needed impetus to function and discharge their duties continually and exceptionally,” she said.
Represented by Mrs. Funmi Omotosho, wife of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, she noted that drug abuse remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting communities.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), said drug abuse in Nigeria is a national concern that requires collective action. According to him, it affects everyone in one way or another.
“You don’t know what your siblings, children, and wards are doing. You don’t know who they mingle with in schools. So the only way we can reach out to those who need our help is through programmes like this. I appreciate my colleagues for this laudable workshop, which further emphasises the need, especially within uniformed services, on how best we can manage our corridors. Because as a uniform organisation, we are seen as superstars, which of course we are not. We also have blood flowing in us,” he said.
Represented by the Zonal Commander, Zone 8 Lagos, ACGN Aniete Nse-jack Inam, Marwa added that Nigeria has shifted from being largely a transit country for drugs to a user country.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, commended the NDLEA for its commitment to tackling drug abuse, misuse, trafficking, and related crimes that pose serious threats to individuals, families, and society. He said the programme aims to address these challenges, noting that security operatives occupy a critical position in maintaining public safety.
“They are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and maintaining public order while upholding the rule of law. So, it is very important for them to be mentally fit, mentally adept, and professionally skilled. Drug abuse undermines their quality,” he said.
Represented by the Administration Director of LSSTF, Adegbola Lewis, Ogunsan added that the training is necessary to enable uniformed officers to meet expectations.
“This training programme is not only about avoiding substances, it also promotes certain ideals that we believe security agents should have,” he said.
