By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa (Rtd), has urged traditional rulers, parents and community leaders to take greater responsibility in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa said the NDLEA cannot win the war against drugs without the active support of communities and traditional institutions.
He made the call on Saturday during the 10th Akinale Day celebration and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran (Otileta I), in Ogun State.
The NDLEA boss warned that drug abuse affects people across all social classes and communities.
He urged parents to pay closer attention to their children, monitor their activities and watch for early behavioural changes that could signal substance abuse.
Marwa also appealed to young Nigerians to stay away from illicit drugs, saying they only worsen personal and social problems instead of solving them.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders to establish local advocacy networks that will discourage drug trafficking and support people struggling with drug dependence.
The NDLEA chairman said royal fathers have a critical role to play because they understand the challenges facing young people in their communities.
Referring to the recent discovery of Nigerian-Mexican cartel-operated methamphetamine laboratories in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states, Marwa urged traditional rulers across the Southwest and other parts of the country to keep a close watch on activities in forests and rural communities.
He also advised community leaders to properly vet individuals seeking to buy farmland to prevent criminal groups from using remote locations for illegal drug operations.
Political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries attended the event.
