In recognition of his determination to completely nip drug abuse and its illegal cultivation in the bud, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has honoured the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu with agency’s Grand Patron.
Also honoured was the Ondo State Commander of Amotekun Corps who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye who was decorated as Patron of the Agency.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa who was represented by the Agency’s Zonal Commander on Narcotics, Zone J, Parah Julius Bawa, bestowed the awards on the duo and commended them for championing the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
He stressed the need to address the issue of drug abuse before insecurity can be defeated.
According to Marwa, “Before the country can successfully tame insecurity, drug is a number one factor that should be properly addressed, as bandits carry out their dastard acts under the influence of drugs.
“This is one of the reasons we created 14 Zones across the nation and made Ondo State a Zonal Command Headquarter which comprises of Ondo and Ekiti State.
“As a worthy partner in the fight against drug abuse, we will continue to support the state and the zone.
“We hope to get the necessary support needed to the abuse of drugs. We believe it will also help us in doing our own best”, he said.
The NDLEA boss, expressed happiness over the existing cordial relationship and synergy between the NDLEA and the Ondo State government.
He added that the agency is looking forward for further collaboration with the Amotekun corps in tackling drug war and ensure that barons activities are checkmated.
Responding on behalf of the State Governor, Akogun Adeleye thanked the agency for the honour done them.
The Special Adviser to the Governor while describing drug abuse as a war that must be worn, assured that the state will collaborate with Zone J towards ensuring that WADA is achievable.
“Drug is a major catalyst for criminal activities in the state. 95 percent of criminals we arrest are based on drug related issues.
“We are not leaving out any security agency in our bid to ensure that our state is secured. Like Mr Governor rightly told you, he has been a fantastic father to all security agencies in the State by giving helping hands towards ensuring that security agencies are strengthened to achieve success in their fights against crime.
On your request for logistic support, the Governor has assured that he will look into it and get back to you in the shortest period of time.
