By Omolara Adasofunjo
To complement the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, traditional rulers should take a leading role in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
This was the submission of the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, during the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adeniran, Orilẹta I, and the 10th Owu Akinale Day celebration, held at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Brigadier General Marwa said traditional institutions, being the closest authority to the grassroots, should leverage their influence to discourage drug abuse among youths by promoting community-based awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives, and support programmes for persons battling addiction.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, who also urged parents to embrace responsible parenting by closely monitoring their children, identifying early signs of behavioural changes, and providing the guidance and support needed to keep them away from substance abuse, stressed that, Nigerian youths must shun drug abuse to secure a healthier and more productive future.
Speaking, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, congratulated the Towulade on his first coronation anniversary and advised the newly installed chiefs to regard their titles as a call to service and the development of the kingdom.
In his remarks, the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adeniran, appreciated the NDLEA Chairman for his support and the agency’s sustained nationwide campaign against illicit drugs, and commended the sons and daughters of Owu Akinale for their contributions to the development of the community.
The event attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, government officials, religious leaders, youth groups, members of civil society organisations and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the celebration included the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Baba Oba of Owu Akinale on NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa; Asiwaju Agba-Akin of Owu Akinale on the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju; and Are Sobaloju of the Kingdom on the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Mr Olamide Lawal.
Edited by Taiwo Akinola
