The war against drug abuse and addiction in Ikorodu division gained momentum on Thursday, November 1, 2019, when the new Lagos State Commandant for National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Fred Ezeorah, visited Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, to seek support for the agency’s operations and programmes.
The powerful NDLEA team, like the teams of other security agencies that ha previously visited the Ayangbure palace, was given a warm reception by the monarch, his chiefs and several eminent Ikorodu dignitaries who all described the visit as timely considering the current prevalent of drug abuse and addiction in the society.
The new NDLEA state commandant, Mr. Fred Ezeorah, in his address, informed Oba Shotobi that he and his team had come to introduce and familiarize themselves with him and his people and seek their support for their operations and pragrammes in Ikorodu division and Lagos State in general, while he also appreciated the monarch of for the kind reception given to him and his team.
He explained that it will be very difficult for the agency to be successful in its mission of ensuring a drug free society without the needed support of the people, hence, he appealed to Oba Shotobi and the entire people of Ikorodu for a cordial relationship with his team to effectively address the challenges of drug abuse and addiction in Ikorodu community.
Mr. Ezeorah, urged the residents to always come forward and lodge their complaints with the agency whenever they have any valid information about anyone selling contraband drugs such as tramadol, cocaine, Marijuana and others or anyone indulging in drug abuse and addiction for immediate action.
He stated further that his team will not only arrest or prosecute drug offenders but will also enlighten the people, particularly the youths, against illegal use of drugs.
He, therefore, requested that officials of NDLEA should regularly be invited to visit schools, market places and communities in Ikorodu division to deliver lectures on drugs, stating that this will help to sanitize and bring peace to the society.
In his own contribution, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab informed the NDLEA team that Oba Shotobi had just constituted a security council to address the insecurity issue in Ikorodu, including the challenges of drug abuse and addiction.
He commended Mr. Ezeorah and his officers for embarking on the visit to Ikorodu to rub mind with Oba Shotobi and other stakeholders over drug abuse, statingthat the menace is a serious challenge that needs to be urgently addressed by all.
Professor Wahab, explained that the rate by which youths in the country abuse drugs is worrisome and advised parents and guidance to monitor their wards and prevent them from indulging in drug abuse.
e warned parents to adhere to this advice as Oba Shotobi and others stakeholders in the division would not render any assistance to anyone whose child or children are arrested for drug offences.
Professor Wahab, also warned youths who take drugs to study or become energetic to desist from doing so due to the dangerous implication of such act.
Also, Chief A. O. Awofesi, the Salu Apesin of Ikorodu, in his own brief contribution urged the new state commandant to ensure that his officers always come around to enlighten the youths against drug abuse and its consequences.
He also suggested that anyone arrested for drug offences should be made to serve longer jail terms to pay for his/her action and serves as determent to others.
Chief Olukayode Olomo, Baale of Ojogbe, in his own remark, asked the new state commandant if his officers are well prepared and possess necessary equipment to carry out the task given to them.
In his quick response to Chief Olomo’s question, Mr. Ezeorah assured that his men are well equipped for the task but urged well-meaning residents of Ikorodu to provide them support when necessary.
Meanwhile, Oba Shotobi, in his response, commended Mr. Ezeorah and his team for the visit which he described as the right step in the right direction in the fight against drug abuse and addiction in Ikorodu division.
He assured the NDLEA team of his regular support while he also urged other stakeholders in the division to give needed assistance that can help the team to succeed in their mission.
Oba Shotobi informed the new state commander that the leader of the team in Ikorodu, Mr. Abdulazeez Kayode Ogungboye, has been doing a wonderful job and sought for more support for him to enable him perform better.
He also urged the NDLEA boss and his team to form an effective partnership with the Onyabo vigilante group in order to succeed in their operatives, stating that such partnership has enabled other security outfits to curb the menace of cultism and land grabbling across Ikorodu division.
Curtain was drawn on the visit with the presentation of a gift to Oba Shotobi by the new NDLEA state commandant and a marathon photograph session respectively.
Others in the NDLEA entourage were, Nndim Rosanna (Assistant Commander), Ojo Ogbechena (Assistant Commander), Titiola Ogunsiyi (P.S.O., DDR), Ighekde Augustine (Area Commader, Alimosho), Othman Abdulazeez (Operation Commander, strike force), Ikusagbe Stephen Dayo (S.O. Operations, Ikorodu) Obala Victor (DDR Ikorodu) and Olajide Olayinka (Personal Assistant to State Commander).