Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that he will reinforce the current partnership between his government and the anti-narcotics agency.
Prof. Zulum said the collaboration will help to achieve the goal of a drug free society across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
According to a statement issued by Director, Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi today, the governor gave his assurance when he welcomed the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) to Borno State.
Gen. Marwa visited Borno for a three-day war against drug abuse (WADA) advocacy to mobilise relevant stakeholders in order to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
While commending the governor for his remarkable achievements in office, Marwa briefed him on the purpose of his visit as part of his ongoing social advocacy sensitization efforts across the country to engage with stakeholders with a view to cascading WADA efforts at the national level down to the grassroots and communities.
He said: “Everything must be done to drastically reduce demand for illicit drugs and cut down access and availability of psychoactive substances because of the nexus between illicit drugs and the security challenges facing the state and the country as a whole.”
However, Governor Zulum in his reaction lauded Marwa’s inspiring leadership qualities everywhere he had served including Borno as the state’s former military governor and his commitment to the drug fight.
He assured the NDLEA boss of the readiness of his government to strengthen and enlarge the existing collaboration in the interest of law and order as well as humanity.
Meanwhile, on his advocacy visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Elkanemi, the NDLEA chairman encouraged the respected monarch to continue his support for the fight against illicit drugs – and called for drug test for intending couples as part of conditions for the conduct of weddings.
Gen. Marwa disclosed the aforementioned so as to scare youths from indulging in substance abuse.
Similarly, the Shehu while responding promised Marwa that all the 59 district heads under his emirate and the Chief Imam of Borno, Alhaji Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad present at the meeting will go back to their domains to implement the idea, including setting up of drug control committees in their communities.
The NDLEA boss also engaged the Council of Ulamas led by the Chief Imam, Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad and agreed on the same point.
In the same vein, the idea was equally approved by the Christian community in another meeting held with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno.
In his remarks, Chairman of CAN in the state, Most Rev Dr. John Bogna Bakeni commended Marwa’s integrity, hardwork and selfless service to humanity.
His words: “The Christian community in Borno is ever ready to partner with you and your agency on this course because government alone can’t fight the drug scourge.”
Marwa and his delegation also extended his advocacy visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai.
Upon his visit, where he urged the Theatre Commander, Major General Gold Chibuisi and his commanding officers to continue their support, patriotism and sacrifice for the nation.
He asked for more partnership with NDLEA to cut off access to illicit drugs by insurgents as well as drug test and sensitization lectures for troops on the dangers of illicit substances to their wellbeing.
Responding to Marwa’s comment, Major Gen. Chibuisi pledged to make the drug fight part of the counter-insurgency efforts while increasing partnership with the anti-narcotics agency.
While in a meeting with Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the State, Marwa charged them on collaboration as the agency prepares to establish presence in all the local councils across the country in the coming year.
Also, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele and the LGA bosses assured of their preparedness while offering suggestions on how the synergy will work.
Marwa also visited the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba and his management team – and called for drug test for fresh and returning students to dispirit those with disposition to abuse illicit substances.
“We’ll like to work with the university to fish out members of the university community selling illicit drugs,” he told the school’s counselling unit and asked them to be strengthened in order to be able to respond to early signs of drug abuse.
In response to Marwa’s comment, Prof. Shugaba stated that; “Drug test is a great idea. We share and buy the idea and believe it will reduce drug abuse. The drug problem is of a serious concern in the university because most of those arrested for theft and other vices are found to be on drugs. As such, we will take your suggestions and implement them immediately.”
He enjoined NDLEA to establish a ‘post’ on the campus and consequently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university and the agency.
Thereafter, stakeholders meeting was held at the Indimi Hall of the university where Marwa and his team engaged with members of other security agencies, students, transport unions, women groups, Youth Corp members, civil society organisations, to mention a few.
