The Nigerian Army Officers Wives have pledged their commitment to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to ensure a drug-free Nigeria.
The President of the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association, NAOWA and Wife of the Chief of Army Staff Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya, made the commitment when she led a delegation of the executives on a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (Retd), in Abuja.
Mrs. Yahaya commended General Marwa for the extraordinary achievements recorded in the NDLEA under his watch and asked for collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs.
She said that NAOWA has been following the tremendous achievements recorded in the past 18 months and as a humanitarian organisation, it is committed to capacity building and empowerment for its members and stakeholders.
She said partnering with the NDLEA would be mutually beneficial as she plans to take the drug campaign to the barracks.
Among the areas of partnership is the training of NAOWA members and staff in early detection and identification of substance abuse, as well as how to conduct drug prevention programmes.
“Others include measures to prevent drug trafficking and channels for reporting drug activities,” She explained.
The Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa thanked the NAOWA President and her entourage for the visit.
Commendation
He commended the association for the laudable initiatives under the leadership of Mrs. Yahaya which have transformed the association.
Gen. Marwa, who was a one-time NAOWA liaison officer during his military career, noted the important role the association plays in ensuring the success of career military officers.
He stated that “NAOWA’s support will be required in both drug demand and drug supply reduction activities, stressing that “addiction does not discriminate and can afflict any family.”
He encouraged NAOWA to leverage on the NDLEA’s 24/7 toll free helpline (080010203040) recently launched to assist drug-dependent persons seeking help without stigmatisation.
Gen. Marwa requested the President of NAOWA to facilitate the establishment of counseling centres in barracks across the country, to cater for the needs of people suffering from drug use disorders.
He also asked the organisation to join the agency in promoting drug test by intending couples before marriage.
Gen. Marwa added that fear of testing positive would deter potential drug users from getting involved with drugs.
He promised to support NAOWA in its proposed drug enlightenment efforts through training.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
