By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Following the recent discovery of secret methamphetamine laboratories in the South-West—particularly in Ogun State—the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is calling on traditional rulers, parents, and community leaders to join the fight against local drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking as the chairman of the 10th Akinale Day and the first coronation anniversary of Oba Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran, NDLEA Chairman Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired) emphasized that the agency cannot defeat drug abuse without the backing of traditional rulers.
He noted that monarchs possess deep insights into their communities and youth struggles.
Consequently, Marwa urged the Owu Akinale Royal Council and local leaders to build community-driven advocacy networks to deter drug traffickers while providing support for those struggling with addiction.
“Substance abuse cuts across every social divide, affecting the rich and the poor, as well as people living in both urban and rural communities,”he warned in a statement emailed to Persecondnews on Saturday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The NDLEA chairman urged parents to return to the core values of parenting by paying closer attention to their children and watching for early behavioural changes that could signal substance abuse.
He also appealed to young people to reject illicit drugs, describing substance abuse as a false escape that only multiplies problems instead of solving them.
Against the backdrop of the recent discovery of cartel-operated methamphetamine laboratories in the region, Marwa urged traditional rulers and community leaders, particularly in the South-West, to monitor the activities of strangers in the forests and other isolated areas.
He also advised communities to properly scrutinise anyone seeking to acquire farmlands, warning that criminal groups could exploit remote locations for illicit drug production.
Marwa described his visit as one inspired by friendship, respect and admiration, recalling a relationship with Oba Adediran spanning nearly two decades from his days as leader of the Lisabi Youths.
He commended the monarch’s leadership, saying the same qualities that distinguished him as a youth leader continue to guide his reign as the Towulade of Owu Akinale.
Political leaders including former Ogun Governor Ibikunle Amosun, an Owu man, traditional rulers and other dignitaries attended the anniversary and coronation celebration.
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