The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The visit was to commend the command’s efforts in tackling the menace of illicit drugs in Nigeria and to explore areas of collaboration between the agency and NAWOJ.
During the visit, NAWOJ Chairperson, Dr. Adeola Ekine, expressed the association’s appreciation towards NDLEA’s ongoing efforts in combating the menace of drug supply, demand and abuse. She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to joining force with the agency for a drug-free society. She stated, “As female journalists, our primary commitment is to highlight societal issues, engage with the public, and drive positive change. Recently, Nigeria has seen a troubling rise in drug misuse, especially among young people, making a robust, multi-stakeholder approach essential. NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, looks forward to strengthening our collaboration with the NDLEA to advocate against drug abuse, raise awareness, and foster a safer environment for future generations.”
“As female journalists and mothers, we must contribute by sharing factual information, offering preventive advice, and providing support to those in need. Our partnership has the potential to shape public perception of drug use and pave the way for long-term positive change,”Dr. Ekine continued.
Emphasizing on the formalization of the collaboration, Dr Ekine said, “we envision a future where NAWOJ and NDLEA partner on impactful campaigns that touch the lives of families and communities. Our aim is not only to address the effects of drug abuse but also to tackle its root causes by influencing policy, promoting a drug-free culture, and amplifying the voices of the vulnerable.”
In response, the Deputy Commander, Mr. A K Makinde, representing the Commander, Lagos Strategic Command, Commander Abubakar Wali, expressed appreciation for NAWOJ’s visit and welcomed the association’s proposal. He confirmed the command’s readiness to support the association in her advocacy journey in taking the anti-drug abuse campaign to the grassroots, especially in schools, and market areas in the state.
Still speaking on areas of collaboration, the Deputy Commander for operations and Training, Mr. Sulamua Shehu Mohammad said the agency is happy to provide training support for NAWOJ so that members can be well equipped with the requisite knowledge needed to carry out advocacy, “As Journalists do your job, while others do their own”.
Present at the meeting were , the Deputy Commander Oladosu Bashir, Dep. Com. Solomon Akpan, Dep. Com. Owonifari Roland and Dep. Superintendent Ifeoma Erondu.
E-Signed:
Dr. Adeola Ekine,
Chairperson, NAWOJ Lagos State
Omolola Olamijulo,
Assistant Secretary, NAWOJ Lagos State.
