The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ondo State Command, Mr. Afolayemi Adeyemo Gabriel, has paid a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, with a call for stronger collaboration between the two agencies in the fight against drug abuse in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Afolayemi Adeyemo Gabriel reaffirmed the need for the existing relationship between the NDLEA and NYSC to remain cordial and co-existing, while urging both organizations to deepen their partnership in areas that would contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of young people and the wider society.
The NDLEA State Commander further proposed greater involvement of corps members in drug-abuse sensitization programmes, particularly through a “catch them young” approach targeted at secondary school students. He noted that corps members, by virtue of their youthful age and presence in communities, could play a significant role in educating young people on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.
Responding, the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, appreciated the NDLEA State Commander for the courtesy visit and commended the agency for its continued efforts towards addressing the menace of drug abuse in the state.
Mrs. Bakare charged the NDLEA to sustain and intensify its efforts towards combating drug abuse, stressing the importance of continuous sensitization, prevention and community-based interventions in tackling the growing challenges associated with substance abuse among young people.
The State Coordinator also commended the NDLEA team deployed to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko during the last orientation exercise for their commitment and the good job done in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for corps members throughout the programme.
Mrs. Bakare further called for increased collaboration and synergy between the NYSC and NDLEA, expressing optimism that a stronger partnership between the two organizations would enhance drug-abuse prevention campaigns and contribute significantly to protecting young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse.
