The Towulade of Owu-Akinale, Ewekoro, Ogun State, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, has partnered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its campaign against drug abuse through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment programmes in schools and other social institutions.

Oba Adediran stated this during a visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), yesterday at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The traditional ruler said that the visit was to formally expressing his commitment to partnering with the NDLEA in its campaign against drug abuse among young people, especially secondary school students, who are vulnerable to substance misuse.

He explained that through the Towulade Foundation, he would embark on advocacy programmes aimed at educating children, youths and members of the public about the dangers associated with drug abuse and substance misuse to combat the menace.

Oba Adediran said that the foundation would take the campaign to primary schools, tertiary institutions, clubs and organisations, using sensitization programmes to discourage drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among young people.

He said that the advocacy would focus on early education and preventive measures, stressing that children and young people needed adequate information about the consequences of drug abuse before they became vulnerable to substance misuse.

“I came to appreciate the NDLEA Chairman for honouring me by chairing my first anniversary celebration on the throne. I am grateful for his support and encouragement, and I consider this visit an opportunity to strengthen our relationship in the collective fight against drug abuse,” the monarch said.

He said that the Towulade Foundation would work towards building partnerships with relevant institutions and community stakeholders to ensure that its sensitization programmes reached a wider audience and contributed meaningfully to the national campaign against drug abuse.

The traditional ruler noted that the Towulade Foundation would work with relevant institutions and community stakeholders to ensure that its sensitisation programmes reached a wider audience and contributed meaningfully to the national campaign against drug abuse.

“We must not leave the fight against drug abuse to the government and the NDLEA alone. Traditional rulers, community leaders, foundations and other stakeholders have important roles to play in educating our people and protecting the future of our children,” he added.

Oba Adediran, however, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s efforts, expressing optimism that collaboration between traditional institutions, government agencies and civil society organisations would help reduce drug abuse and promote a healthier society.