CCC Backs NDLEA’s Fight Against Drug Abuse
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for bolstered collaboration with civil society organizations and local communities to address the pervasive drug crisis in Nigeria.
General Marwa made this impassioned appeal during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) to the NDLEA’s newly inaugurated corporate headquarters in Jahi, Abuja.
Highlighting the agency’s significant achievements, General Marwa noted that the NDLEA has successfully apprehended numerous drug kingpins and routinely intercepted large volumes of illicit drug shipments. However, he stressed that combating drug abuse demands a concerted effort that includes active involvement from civil society and local communities. He underscored the urgency of this collaboration, given that approximately one in seven Nigerians is affected by substance abuse.
In his address, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), Chairman of the CCC, commended General Marwa for the remarkable progress the NDLEA has made in its anti-drug operations. He pointed out that the strategic communication strategies employed by the agency have significantly amplified its mission and public engagement.
General Olukolade articulated CCC’s eagerness to partner with the NDLEA across various strategic initiatives. He emphasized that such a partnership could greatly enhance public awareness, bolster operational support, and elevate the overall effectiveness of drug control efforts throughout the nation.
He outlined several key areas for potential collaboration, including:
– Public Awareness Campaigns: Facilitating town hall meetings and workshops aimed at dispelling myths surrounding drug use and emphasizing its detrimental impacts.
– Capacity Building Programs: Training NDLEA personnel on the latest tools and techniques in strategic communication in an increasingly digital landscape characterized by AI advancements.
“Beyond tailored training in social media and artificial intelligence for strategic communication, we are known for our Media Reviews and Perception Index, providing data-driven insights through media analysis that can inform policy-making and operational strategies,” General Olukolade stated.
He further expressed CCC’s readiness to engage in community outreach initiatives designed to bolster grassroots movements against drug abuse and trafficking, and to implement youth mentorship programs targeting vulnerable populations, especially in university settings.
The proposed collaborative efforts, as underscored by General Olukolade, would forge a united front to effectively tackle drug-related challenges and work towards securing a healthier future for Nigeria.
In expressing optimism about the potential partnership, General Marwa reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to combat drug abuse and trafficking effectively, advocating for an inclusive and community-driven approach to this critical issue.
The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) Nigeria, established in 2015, as a secretariat of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing crisis management capabilities in Nigeria.
The Centre promotes effective communication during crises, conflicts, and emergencies through various initiatives. It achieves its goals through training workshops, research publications, media engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and conferences.
Its target audience includes government agencies, security organisations, emergency responders, media professionals, corporate organizations, NGOs, and community leaders.
