The Towulade of Owu-Akinale Oba Oluseyi Adediran has pledged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to eradicate drug abuse through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment across schools and other social institutions.
The monarch made the pledge during a visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) where he expressed appreciation to the agency’s boss for chairing his first anniversary celebration on the throne.
Oba Adediran described Buba Marwa who is the Asoludero of Egbaland and Babaoba of Owu-Akinale’s presence at the anniversary as a demonstration of friendship and support for traditional institutions noting that his contribution had made the occasion memorable.
The monarch said the visit also provided an opportunity to formally communicate his commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s campaign against drug abuse particularly among young people who are increasingly exposed to the dangers of substance misuse.
He said ‘I came to appreciate the NDLEA Chairman for honouring me by chairing my first anniversary celebration on the throne. I am grateful for his support and encouragement and I consider this visit an opportunity to strengthen our relationship in the collective fight against drug abuse.’
Adediran disclosed that through the Towulade Foundation he would embark on advocacy programmes aimed at educating children youths and members of the public about the dangers associated with drug abuse and substance misuse.
According to him the foundation would take the campaign to primary schools tertiary institutions clubs and organisations using sensitisation programmes to discourage drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among young people.
‘We must not leave the fight against drug abuse to the government and the NDLEA alone. Traditional rulers community leaders foundations and other stakeholders have important roles to play in educating our people and protecting the future of our children.’
The monarch explained that the proposed advocacy would focus on early education and preventive measures stressing that children and young people needed adequate information about the consequences of drug abuse before they became vulnerable to substance misuse.
He added that the Towulade Foundation would work towards building partnerships with relevant institutions and community stakeholders to ensure its sensitisation programmes reached a wider audience and contributed meaningfully to the national campaign against drug abuse.
Oba Adediran reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s efforts expressing optimism that collaboration between traditional institutions government agencies and civil society organisations would help reduce drug abuse and promote a healthier society.