ABEOKUTA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, has commissioned a new office facility in Olorunda to strengthen its operations and deepen community participation in the fight against illicit drugs.
The facility was provided by the Orunda of Olorunda, HRH Oba Dr. Joshua Olusegun Phillips-Ogunsola, and commissioned on Tuesday as part of efforts to expand the agency’s operational presence and intensify the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the community.
The commissioning ceremony attracted traditional rulers and representatives of various security agencies, including the representative of the Commissioner of Police, CSP Oladipupo Bakre, the Divisional Police Officer, Olorunda; Officer Commanding the Army Base, Olorunda, MW Shuaibu U; and representatives of other security agencies.
Speaking at the event, Oba Phillips-Ogunsola said he provided the facility out of his commitment to the fight against illicit drug use and his determination to support efforts aimed at protecting residents from the consequences of substance abuse.
The monarch commended the Ogun State Command of the NDLEA for its efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking, while urging communities and other stakeholders to continue supporting the agency.
He stressed that effective drug control required collective responsibility, particularly from traditional institutions and residents who could assist security agencies with relevant information.
Responding, the Ogun State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Tijjani Rabe, thanked the monarch and people of Olorunda for the initiative, describing the facility as a demonstration of community ownership of the campaign against illicit drugs.
Rabe said the new facility would enhance the agency’s ability to maintain a sustained presence in the area and respond more effectively to drug-related activities.
He emphasised that the war against illicit drugs could not be won by the NDLEA alone, calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and members of the public.
According to him, information sharing, community intelligence and coordinated action remain critical to achieving lasting results in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
The commander disclosed that NDLEA personnel had already been deployed to Olorunda to commence operations, charging the officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for the law in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The ceremony also featured the hoisting of the Nigerian and NDLEA flags.
In recognition of his contribution to the anti-drug campaign, Oba Phillips-Ogunsola received an Award of Appreciation and a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) banner from the NDLEA.
The development is expected to further strengthen community-based drug control efforts and improve collaboration between residents, traditional institutions and law enforcement agencies in Olorunda.