ADEOLA OGUNLADE
The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has pledged stronger collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Area Command, Ojodu-Berger, to combat drug abuse and trafficking in communities across the Local Government.
Comrade Dauda made the commitment when he received the newly appointed Deputy Commander, Narcotics, Area Command, Ojodu-Berger, Fadare Isaac Olushola, who paid a courtesy visit to his office.
The Chairman said the Local Government was committed to working with the NDLEA in the areas of public enlightenment, enforcement and community engagement to protect young people from the dangers of substance abuse.
According to him, there are identified drug-related hotspots within the Local Government, particularly in Isale-Awori, requiring sustained attention from relevant authorities.
“I know you know the job very well and you know where the shoe pinches us. I am happy to work with you. Let us see how we can work together in synergy, especially in the areas of enlightenment and enforcement, so that our youths can be productive and become agents of Nigeria’s transformation,” Comrade Dauda said.
He stressed that his administration wanted a drug-free Ikeja, assuring that the council would continue to support initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse and protecting children and young people from being recruited into drug-related activities.
Responding, Fadare Isaac Olushola assured the Council Chairman of the NDLEA’s readiness to work closely with the Local Government to tackle drug-related activities and make Ikeja and its environs safer.
Fadare disclosed that NDLEA operatives had been conducting raids on identified drug hotspots in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), adding that such operations would continue.
He said the agency would focus not only on street-level users and vulnerable youths but also on identifying and prosecuting those who sponsor and supply illicit drugs.
According to him, some drug dealers exploit vulnerable young people by using them to distribute substances while the sponsors remain behind the scenes.
“We are not after the vulnerable youths. When we arrest some of them, we counsel them and give them a second chance. But for the dealers and sponsors, we will pursue them and ensure that prosecution is carried out,” he said.