Increasing rate of women taking drugs alarms NDLEA

Commandant Ibiba Jane Odili with Onitaafin, Oba Adebayo and Asiwaju Wahab at Onitaafin Palace today.

By Foluso Adelaja

The increasing rate of women taking drugs in the country is becoming alarming and should now be the concern of all and sundry, the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has cried out.

Calling attention to this worrisome fact, the Commandant of Narcotics, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State, Commandant Ibiba Jane Odili noted that a research of the Federal Government in 2018 has confirmed this ugly trend.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Onitaafin of Itaafin, Oba Monrufu Alani Adebayo yesterday in his palace in Abeokuta, Commandant Odili pointed out that if this situation is left unchecked, it portends dastard consequences to the country.

She noted that the role of women to nation's development is sacrosanct, hence should not be allowed to be tainted by drug abuse or other social ills.

The drug fighter also noted that  Ogun State had taken the lead in several areas and so should take the war against drugs seriously so that it would not subtract from the state's records of firsts.

She said though NDLEA is limited in resources and personnel, it relies on assistance from its communities, including palaces to help it perform creditably.

In his response, the Onitaafin, Oba Adebayo commended the NDLEA chieftain, noting that she is performing creditably in the state and assured her of the support of his community.

Oba Adebayo who said Commandant Odili should feel free to come to his palace anytime as she is now a recognized citizen of the community also bestowed the Chieftaincy title of Yeye Soludero of Orile Itaafin on her.

In his own speech, the Chairman of Ifedara-Opeji Area Community Development Council (ACDC), Asiwaju Dapo Wahab said the Community is very important in the NDLEA's fight against drug abuse.

Asiwaju Wahab, a renowned philanthropist and the President of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, a compassionate NGO emphasized the importance of a deep rooted synergy between the drug agency and communities. 

NDLEA's entourage to Onitaafin's palace included the Deputy Commandant, Mrs Ekwu Eucharia, its Head of Intelligence, Mr A. Soyoye and other senior officials. 

Also present at the courtesy call were many traditional chiefs of the Onitaafin while Mrs Elizabeth Eweje, the Director of the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation accompanied Asiwaju Wahab who brokered the courtesy call.