NDLEA Boss, Marwa, DG VON, Emir, Diplomats, Legislators, Others Eulogies Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju On His New Book On Illicit Drug Trafficking, Abuse
Nigeria’s anti-substance abuse campaign, on Wednesday, received a boost as Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju's book entitled, 'The Last Syndicate', was launched in Abuja, with funfair and accolades.
Nigeria’s anti-substance abuse campaign, on Wednesday, received a boost as Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju's book titled, The Last Syndicate, was launched in Abuja, with funfair and accolades.
'The Last Syndicate', was publicly presented in Abuja as part of the weeklong programme of activities in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking at the launch of the book, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, (RTD), said in the last two years, the NDLEA, had advocated the use of movies in the anti-drug abuse public enlightenment programmes, adding the agency decided to use novel to further amplify the campagin this year.
"in the past two years, we have advocated the use of movies in our anti-drug abuse public enlightenment, with a movie premier in 2021 and 2022. Interestingly, this year we are using a novel to further amplify the campaign against illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse. We are intensifying efforts towards extending the frontiers of the global campaign." Marwa stated.
According to him, the book was officially unveiled, stating that it is hoped that the anti-drug message would be reinvigorated.
"This multifaceted approach is part of the strategy to balance drug supply control with drug demand reduction. In order to sustain the reinvigorated campaign against substance abuse, the agency is engaging the whole of society in its control strategy. This is in tandem with the principle of shared responsibility that we are promoting under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign." He added.
The Emir of Keffi, who also received an award as one of the royal fathers, in the forefront in the campaign against substance abuse in Nigeria, called on stakeholders to support the Agency’s efforts in addressing the problem of drugs.
"Drug abuse is causing serious harm in our society. It is affecting both the young and the old. While we thank the leadership of the NDLEA under Brig Gen Marwa, I want us to support the campaign for a society free of drug abuse and criminality." He added.
Dr. William Ebiti, a lecture, who also presented a paper with the topic; "Advancing the Revitalised Campaign Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria: A Path to Progress.", stated that Africa currently ranks the third in drug use, which underscores the immediate need for decisive action to address the pervasive issue of drugs on the continent.
Mr. Wilson Ighodalo, who is the coordinator of the NDLEA Celebrity Club, in his remarks said it's an important day to reflect on the global challenge of illicit drugs and substances.
According to him, the theme of the 2023 World Drug Congress, "People first: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention," resonates with the NDLEA Celebrity Drug-Free Club's vision of getting people involved in the global campaign and creating awareness on how to treat people with the challenge of drug abuse.
The Celebrity Drug Free Club is a platform where credible Celebrities participate in the campaign against drugs, with the agenda to help in positively influencing their fans and followers, especially on social media, to stay away from drug trafficking and use.
Recall that the agency recently organised a Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Care training for members of the entertainment industry in Lagos.
Meanwhile, different categories of awards were presented to various dignitaries, who distinguished themselves in the anti-drug abuse campaign.
The awardees include, the former House of Representatives Committee on Narcotics, Hon. Francis O. Agbo, the former Senate Committee Chairman on Narcotics, Senator Hezekiah Dimka, UNODC Country Representative, Oliver Stolpe, and the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa.
Others are the Nigeria Governor's Wives Forum, and Patricia Ada Bisong Ononye of Africa Independent Television.
Ofoyeju was commended by the reciepients of the awards aand other dignitries for his book on illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse in Nigeria by Buba Marwa, (RTD), Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Emir of Keffi, and His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr Shehu Cindo Yamusa.
Others are Editor-in-Chief, Media Trust, Naziru Mikail, the Indian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Abakar Saleh Chahaimi, Honourable Francis Agbo, the immediate past House of Representative Committee on Narcotics, among other dignitaries, showered encomiums on Ofoyeju for his painstaken work on the burning global issue of drug trafficking and abuse.
In his response, the author of the book, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, expressed his profound gratitude to God almighty and the Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, for stretching the frontiers of the drug campaign to extraordinary level.
He also thanked the guests and and othe stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.
"The drug abuse challenge is a serious health epidemic that is disguised in recreational garb. If you are not properly informed, you run the risk of making the wrong decision
"The Last Syndicate fills this gap in an entertaining fashion. This is the position we are advancing. A wise man learns from his mistakes, but a wiser man learns from the mistakes of others. I tried to paint the mistakes of others in black and white so we could avoid their pitfalls." He stated.
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