The Esama of Benin Kingdom , Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, and the Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Barrister Sam Offiah have commended the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for it’s efforts in steeming the tide of drug trafficking and abuse in the State.
Chief Igbinedion , gave the commendation when the Edo State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mitchell Ofoyeju paid him a working visit at his GRA, Benin City residence.
Chief Igbinedion, while highlighting the role of the NDLEA in eliminating illicit drugs that jeopardize the health and well-being of citizens said. “Your relentless efforts are vital , important and life-saving”.
Earlier, the Edo State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency( NDLEA ), Mitchell Ofoyeju, who said the visit was aimed at garnering support for anti-drug abuse initiatives, emphasized the importance of partnership with influential community leaders and elders.
He described Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as a “champion in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse as well as other related societal vices.”
Ofoyeju emphasized that the NDLEA is actively addressing
the drug scourge through comprehensive strategies aimed at both drug supply control and drug demand reduction. He expressed hope that when leaders like Chief Igbinedion lend their support to the campaign, it indisputably helps to amplify anti-drug advocacy efforts. “One of the mandates given to me by the Chairman, Brig. General Marwa, is to build a united front by bringing stakeholders under one canopy in confronting the drug challenge in the state. In recognition of your towering influence and strategic role as a champion of peace and safe society, we are here to solicit your fatherly support,” he stated.Also, Ofoyeju , while visiting the headquarters of the Benin Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), emphasized the link between human trafficking and illicit drug trafficking.
Speaking with Barrister Sam Offiah, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Ofoyeju sought for collaboration between the NDLEA and NAPTIP.
“Understanding the nexus between these two critical issues is essential for strengthening our collective response. We understand that victims of drug trafficking are vulnerable tools in the hands of the traffickers, and it is important to adopt preventive strategies,”
He noted that the synergy between the NDLEA and NAPTIP is imperative for a more robust fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State.
Barrister Sam Offiah, while welcoming Commander Ofoyeju and other members of his entourage, highlighted the functions of NAPTIP. According to him, “NAPTIP is charged with enforcing laws related to trafficking, preventing trafficking, coordinating investigations and prosecution, and providing assistance to victims, as well as raising public awareness.”
