Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has reassured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of his unwavering commitment to enhancing the existing partnership between his government and the anti-narcotics agency. The goal is to collectively work towards achieving a drug-free society across all 27 local government areas of the state.
Governor Zulum conveyed this commitment during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.). The assurance was made public through a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Marwa’s visit to Borno was part of a three-day advocacy campaign against drug abuse. The aim was to mobilize relevant stakeholders and encourage them to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
While commending Governor Zulum for his accomplishments in office, Brig. Gen. Marwa emphasized the need for concerted efforts to significantly reduce the demand for illicit drugs. He also stressed the importance of cutting down access and availability of psychoactive substances, highlighting the interconnectedness between illicit drugs and the security challenges faced by the state and the nation as a whole.
The statement partly read, “Zulum acknowledged Marwa’s inspiring leadership qualities everywhere he had served, including Borno as the state’s former military governor and his commitment to the drug fight. He assured the NDLEA boss of the readiness of his government to strengthen and enlarge the existing collaboration in the interest of law and order as well as humanity.”
While on his advocacy visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, the NDLEA chairman also called for drug tests for intending couples as part of the conditions for the conduct of weddings.
He said, “This will discourage a lot of young people from going into substance abuse.”
In his response, the Shehu assured Marwa that all the 59 district heads under his emirate and the Chief Imam of Borno, Alhaji Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad present at the meeting will go back to their domains to implement the idea, including setting up drug control committees in their communities.
