The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, has commissioned a new office facility at Olorunda as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in the community and intensify the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The facility, provided by the Orunda of Olorunda, Oba Dr Joshua Olusegun Phillips-Ogunsola, was commissioned yesterday  as the agency moved to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions, security agencies and residents in the area.

The development is expected to enhance the command’s operational capacity and improve its engagement with the community in tackling the growing challenges associated with illicit drugs.

The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers and representatives of security agencies, including the representative of the Commissioner of Police, CSP Oladipupo Bakre, the Divisional Police Officer, Olorunda; the Officer Commanding the Army Base, Olorunda, MW Shuaibu U; and representatives of other security formations.

Speaking at the event, Oba Phillips-Ogunsola said he provided the facility because of his commitment to the anti-drug campaign and his desire to support the NDLEA in protecting residents from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.

The traditional ruler commended the Ogun State Command for its commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking, stressing that the agency required the support of communities to operate effectively.

He said strengthening the presence of law enforcement agencies at the grassroots would help improve the protection of residents and contribute to efforts to prevent drug-related problems.

The Ogun State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Tijjani Rabe, thanked the traditional ruler and the people of Olorunda for providing the facility, describing the gesture as an important demonstration of community ownership of the fight against illicit drugs.

Rabe said the command would sustain effective operations in the area and remain committed to protecting residents from the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.

He said the NDLEA could not win the war against illicit drugs alone, adding that sustained cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions and members of the public was essential.

“Effective drug control requires a collaborative approach, timely information sharing and coordinated action among all relevant stakeholders ” .

The commander disclosed that NDLEA officers had already been deployed to the area to begin operations. He charged them to maintain professionalism and discipline in carrying out their duties.

The ceremony also featured the hoisting of the Nigerian and NDLEA flags.

An Award of Appreciation and a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) banner were subsequently presented to Oba Phillips-Ogunsola in recognition of his support for the campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The new facility is expected to provide the NDLEA with a more permanent operational presence in Olorunda while strengthening its engagement with the community and other stakeholders.