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Emir of Ilorin canvasses better funding for NDLEA

By Matthew Denis

In a bid to reduce drug abuse and trafficking in the country, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has called on the Federal Government to restructure the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA) with better funding, human capacity and more operational vehicles.
The Emir made the disclosure during the launching of a N100 million fundraising to build a drug abuse rehabilitation centre at the palace in Ilorin on Saturday.
The Emir who initiated the project tasked individuals and stakeholders to donate generously in making the project a reality.
He said, “I am motivated to make this passionate appeal to assist the agency in view of its invaluable roles in the society.”
According to him, the rate of consumption, trafficking and abuse of drugs among youths is alarming, terrifying and of serious concern on daily basis.
The Emir who is the Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council highlighted that the rate at which youths now depend on drugs need urgent attention.
He expressed the belief that victims of drug abuse rather than being condemned to death or stiffer penalties can be rehabilitated in order to be useful to the society.
“My intention is to make victims of drug abuse turn a new leaf and become better citizens of our dear country.
“This is the reason I’m soliciting for support and contributions towards building the rehabilitation centre for NDLEA . We cannot do it alone and that is why a committee is inaugurated towards the success of the project.”
Also speaking, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah noted that the Emir’s initiative is very unique and a pioneering effort in Nigeria that a monarch was making such an effort at complementing the work of his agency.
Abdallah highlighted some of the commonly abused drugs among youths after which he enumerated the invaluable role of the agency in crime prevention and engendering of peaceful society and national security.
The NDLEA boss re-emphasised that drug abuse by youths who are supposed to become future leaders of Nigeria is a bigger threat to many areas of our national life as a nation, adding that a nation without youths cannot boast of enhancing socioeconomic development.
In her contribution, former Nigeria Ambassador to the Netherlands,  Nihinlola Nimota Akanbi said there cannot be peace in a society where the youth live a life of drug dependency, adding that drug abuse aids crime and insecurity.
The Commandant of NDLEA in Kwara State, Barr. Ona Ogilegwe stated that they will continue to partner with the immediate community to ensure success of the project.

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