The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has charged stakeholders in the nation’s maritime industry to sensitize youths within the corridors of the ports against drug abuse and illicit trafficking even as they provide engaging opportunities for them.
While making this call during an interview in Lagos, the NDLEA Deputy Commander General of Narcotics (DCGN) and Director of Seaports Operations, Mrs. Omolade Faboyede said the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking cannot be done by the NDLEA alone. She however sought the support of all maritime stakeholders in sensitizing the youths about the inherent danger of drug abuse in the society.
Mrs. Omolade Faboyede enjoined all stakeholders and well-meaning citizens to create opportunities such as entrepreneur skills, sporting activities amongst others for the youths in order to discourage them from being idle in the society which in turn supports drug peddling.
In her words, “I believe we need to sensitize our country against drug abuse. NDLEA cannot do it alone that is why we are looking out for meaningful citizens who are making impact. We want them to help us make that impact too in the area of drug abuse.
“We don’t have enough jobs for our youths but we can create opportunities to engage and keep them busy. Stakeholders can create entrepreneurship programs where youths and young minds can learn some skills and earn money for themselves. Creating platforms for sporting activities such as building football, basketball, or table tennis teams can engage the minds of the youths” Omolade said.
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While stating the new operations put in place by the NDLEA in fighting drug abuse and other vices, Omolade noted that the agency now has a stronger team called the “Strike Force” in the six geopolitical zones. “Initially we don’t usually have enough officers when we move out for field operations but we now have many numbers. They move out in their hundreds to any farm where hard drugs are planted. This new regime of the NDLEA is really ready to work against the issue of Cannabis in the forests” she said.
The NDLEA boss also stated that the agency is synergizing and working hand-in-hand with the Nigeria Customs Service. “It is either the Customs is transferring a case to the NDLEA when they make an arrest or the two agencies are together when such arrests are made’ Omolade noted.
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