The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the pharmaceutical community in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The renewed partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Edo State Chapter, and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to the Command Headquarters in Benin City on Thursday.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of PSN, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Chris Oisakede, included the Chairman of ACPN, Dr. Nwachukwu Memili, and other executive members. They were received by the State Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, alongside members of the Command’s senior management team, including the Deputy State Commander, DCN Victor Isibor Chuks, and other principal officers.
Welcoming the delegation, Ofoyeju described the visit as a significant step towards intensifying the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
He stressed that tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
“The fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility that no single agency can win alone. The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from the increasing cultivation of cannabis in forest areas, which contributes to environmental degradation, to the exploitation of farmers by criminal networks and the alarming trend of schoolchildren being drawn into such activities,” he said.
The commander further highlighted the devastating consequences of substance abuse on individuals, families and national development, describing drug addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that requires comprehensive prevention, treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
In his remarks, the PSN Chairman, Dr. Chris Oisakede, commended the command’s achievements and its balanced approach of combining supply reduction, demand reduction and public enlightenment.
He assured the agency of the continued support of community pharmacists, noting that they occupy a strategic position through their daily interaction with members of the public. He also praised the agency’s alternative livelihood initiative for cannabis farmers, describing it as a progressive intervention.
Also speaking, the ACPN Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Memili, underscored the role of community pharmacists as the technical arm of the PSN in promoting ethical drug distribution.
As a demonstration of support, he announced plans to organise a free medical outreach for officers and men of the NDLEA Edo State Command.
The interactive session featured contributions from other stakeholders, including Dr. Grace O. Ogieva, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of VJ Essex Pharmacy and former Chairman of the PSN in Edo State.
While commending the progress recorded in reducing the distribution of illicit substances through licensed pharmacies, she called for broader collaboration by extending sensitisation campaigns to pharmaceutical companies, transport unions, religious organisations and community groups.
The meeting ended with the decoration of Dr. Oisakede as a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) partner by Commander Ofoyeju, followed by the exchange of souvenirs.
