Idofian Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara has handed over an office building valued at N15.58 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to strengthen the fight against drug abuse in the area.
The facility, comprising three offices and a counter, was handed over to the NDLEA Kwara Commander, Mrs Fatima Popoola, during a ceremony on Saturday in Idofian .
Speaking at the handing-over, the Chairman of the Community Infrastructure Committee, Mr Ganiyu Olajide, said the facility was built to strengthen the security architecture of the community.
Olajide said the community had embarked on various development projects over the years, including providing befitting accommodation for government agencies operating in the area.
He said that the gesture was aimed at enabling the NDLEA to operate in a conducive environment without inconvenience.
“ Idofian Community has always been supportive of government agencies.
“We have renovated the Forest Guard offices, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office, Area Court and Police Station without bothering the government because we are concerned about the security and safety of our people.
“ We have spent over N15 million on the NDLEA office. Thank God, we are handing it over to the State Commander today.
“It is our hope that the commandant will use her good office to assist us in requesting for reimbursement, which will enable us to embark on other developmental projects in the town,” he said.
Responding, the NDLEA Commander, Mrs Fatima Popoola, commended the Olu-Idofian-in-Council for their cooperation and efforts toward providing a standard office for the agency.
She urged the traditional council and other community leaders to continue to partner with the agency to ensure effective operations to curb drug abuse in the area.
Popoola said that a significant number of drug related activities took place in markets, urging market leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the agency.
“ I can assure you that our men will always be on standby and available to swing into action whenever we receive information on drug-related activities,” she said.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government council, Mr Femi Yusuf, described the project as a landmark development that was long overdue, particularly against the backdrop of increasing drug abuse among youths.
Yusuf assured the agency of the council’s continued support towards ensuring that the area remained safe and produced responsible and morally sound youths.
He pledged to donate a new motorcycle to the NDLEA to facilitate its operations and provide solar lights around the office.
The chairman also promised to furnish the new office and construct a parade ground within the premises.
Yusuf urged other communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area to emulate Idofian’s unity of purpose and commitment to supporting government agencies.
“ Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq prioritises youths, and that is why we have so many youths serving in his cabinet.
“ He is a youth governor. He will go to any length to reshape the lives of youths,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that notable chiefs of the Idofian Kingdom attended the handing -over of the new office.
They had earlier received the NDLEA commandant at the Idofian Community Development Association National Secretariat before proceeding to the new office site.(NAN)
