Drug Abuse/Trafficking: Shola Mese tasks FG on creation of rehabilitation centres, provision of logistics for NDLEA

The Founder of Shola Mese Foundation, Deacon Shola Mese, has tasked the Federal Government on the need to create rehabilitation centres in Delta State, for consumers of illicit drugs and provide vehicles as well as other necessary logistics for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in order to upscale the effectiveness of the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Deacon Mese, speaking

Our Correspondent reports that Deacon Mese, who gave the task at Delta Ports Harbour Conference Hall in Warri, Delta State, Monday June 27, during the official launch of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) in commemoration of the United Nations Day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, canvassed for the creation of counseling units at NDLEA offices and police formations, to reorientate the minds of illicit drug users, instead of arresting and prosecuting them.

According to Deacon Mese, who was decorated ‘WADA Ambassador’ by the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Delta Ports Command, Ann Nnenna Okoebor, if the Federal Government provides adequate logistics and good working environment for the NDLEA, “it will reduce the stress on other security agencies, in terms of the fight against insecurity”.

Ann Okoebor (left) decorating Deacon Shola Mese as WADA Ambassador

Whilst stating that his Foundation, has trained and graduated over 600 hitherto illicit drug users in various skills, with some of them becoming ambassadors against drug abuse, Deacon Mese, recalled how his Foundation renovated the NDLEA Office at Deco Road, Warri.

In her welcome address, the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Delta Ports Command, Ann Nnenna Okoebor, explained: “The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year, to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse”.

Ann Okoebor & Dcn. Shola Mese

Ann Okoebor, a Commander of Narcotics, noted that the theme for this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day, is: "ADDRESSING DRUG CHALLENGES IN HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS".

According to her, “the emphasis is on the need to continue to advocate, protect the right to health for the most vulnerable: including children and youths; people using drugs, people who need access to controlled medicine”.

She averred: “Given the recent global experience with Covid-19 and the prevailing circumstances around the world, especially in our Country, you will agree with me that the theme resonates well with our current reality

“Based on this, NDLEA is not only fighting the drug war from supply axis but demand as well. We believe that if there is no demand, there will be no supply. Hence, the launch of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 26" of June 2021, during UN drug day at the Presidential villa, with the intention of cutting/stemming drug demand in the Country.

“NDLEA Delta Ports Command previously an Area Command of Delta State Command, became a full-fledged Command on April 30, 2021, with 1 appointed the first Commander. This status accords it an independent Command, with full mandate to operate like any other Port in the Country. The Command covers water ways and communities around its environs by ensuring the prevention, importation and exportation of drugs through the water ways

“The Command has so far in line with WADA carried out sensitization programs, lectured in churches, mosque, organizations etc. Over 461 people had been sensitized, this includes 215 males and 246 females. Seven drug users were counseled, which include 5 male and 2 female.

“Recently, on Monday 30 May, 2022, The Command carried out a Raid/Operation at NPA Trailer Park, Warri where 9 people were arrested, 7 of them were counseled and released, while two persons (a male and female) are undergoing prosecution.

“A total of 850grams of Cannabis Sativa Weeds. Cannabis Sativa Seed weighing 2.9kg and soaked Cannabis (Monkey Tail) weighing 1.5kg were seized.

“Our aim is to sanitize the Port, its surrounding communities and create more awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We appreciate your presence while using this opportunity to solicit for your support in making Delta Ports DRUG FREE”.

The Port Manager, Delta Ports, Warri, Nr. Nelson Uwaifo, in his remarks, opined: “It is more important to take the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, more seriously than that of insurgency, because reducing drug abuse and illicit trafficking, would greatly reduce our current insecurity challenges.

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