The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, has called for the establishment of the agency’s unit in his domain to effectively check movement of illicit drugs through Kogi State to other parts of the country.
The monarch made the call when the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) paid him a courtesy visit at the Olujumu of Ijumu Palace in Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Oba Ayeni, who expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the Agency “a man that is mentally and physically fit for the job”, noted that he is optimistic that NDLEA Chairman will not let the nation down.
“It will also interest you to note that Kogi State shares borders with nine states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja which makes it volatile to movement of illicit drugs. Ijumu Local Government alone shares boundaries with Ekiti, Ondo and Edo States as well as four local government areas in the state. That is why I want to appeal to you to use your good office to establish a unit of your agency in Ijumu local government.
“For us in Ijumu, we will continue to support your agency to enable you achieve your dreams and aspiration for the Country. In the quest of performing your duty, I urge you to remain focused and carry out your duty without fear or favour and I pray that God will see you through.
“Retired Brigadier Mohammed Buba Marwa is a tested and trusted Nigerian with track record of achievements. That is why his appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is a round peg in a round hole. It is no doubt in line with the popular saying that ‘the reward of hard work is more work’ vis-à-vis your eventful and impactful performance as the then Military Administrator of Lagos State as well as former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.
“On behalf of the Traditional Council, I want to appreciate Mr. Chairman for appointing one of our sons, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho as the Coordinator of the Special Purpose Committee of the NDLEA and I assure you that he will deliver by justifying the confidence reposed in him,” the revered monarch said.
Speaking earlier, Gen. Marwa solicited the support of traditional rulers in Nigeria towards nipping issues of illicit drugs and narcotics in the bud.
He said traditional rulers are important stakeholders in the fight against drugs abuse, saying the NDLEA under his watch count on traditional rulers to partner with their Chiefs to win the war against drug trafficking.
“There is no leadership that is hard more than the traditional rulers at the grassroots, please involve the chiefs, religious leaders, road transport unions, youth and women groups, the local headmaster and something that can be expanded to suit the fight against drugs in every community,” he said.
On the request of the Olujumu for an Unit of NDLEA in the local government, the NDLEA boss assured the Ijumu paramount ruler to consider it done.
He said the visit is to seek royal blessings and collaboration as the role of fighting the war against illicit drugs cannot be successful without the custodian of the people’s culture and tradition.
