Joseph Babatunde Oduntan.

Tel: +234(0)8034732648

Email:oduntanjb.2013@gmail.com

 

THE Deputy Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Osun State, Mrs. Cathrine O. Adegoke has described drug use and abuse as the bane of criminal activities among youths and our insecurity in Nigeria.

She made the remark recently at a public lecture titled: "Practical  Ways Communities Can Support Safer Neighborhood Against Organized Crime And Illicit Trafficking," at the Christmas Carol and end of year party organized by Vicinity 95.3FM radio station, Ikeji-Ile, Osun State, Nigeria.

Mrs. Adegoke defined a drug as any chemical substance which when taken into the body affects the system of the body. The botanical name for the most common hard drug (Indian hemp) she says is Cannabis sativa and is known by different local names viz: Colarado, Monkey Tail, Arizona, Bhang, Marijuana, Haghish, Ganja, etc by traffickers, traders and users in Nigeria and elsewhere around the world.

She reminds the public that Nigerian legislation like in many other countries of the world forbids the growing, possession, sale or use of Cannabis, Opium (Papaver somniferous), Coca (Erythroxylon spp.), Quinine (Cinchona spp.), Tobacco (Nicitiana tabacum) and even Alcohol for a peaceful world and the good health of all citizens.

Like Tobacco, Adegoke says many of these drugs have stimulating and slightly narcotics (Hallucinogenic and Analgesic) effect if smoked, snuffed or chewed, pipes, cigarettes or cigars.

The NDLEA boss observed that drugs breed all forms of criminal activities like: Murder, Kidnapping, Banditry, Robbery, Cyber-crimes (Yahoo!Yahoo!), Terrorism and Prostitutions which today is plaguing Nigeria as a nation.

Adekoge revealed that annually, NDLEA Osun State Command during field operation have had cause to destroy large hectares of Cannabis farms in Arakeji and other farms around the area.

She noted that Arakeji has a large expanse of fertile land and many none indigenes from within and outside the state who acquire land to farm from the old, poorly educated and informed natives in the area rather than plant food crops plant Cannabis to start the narcotics trade business to earn quick money.  When they are caught by officials of the NDLEA, the innocent land owners bear the consequences of the narcotic offense committed by the farmers.

Adegoke admonished native land owners (kings, chiefs and community leaders) to be careful of none natives they lease land to for farming and the different labourers they hire to work on their farms. She implored youths as leaders of tomorrow to stay clear of drugs to keep the good names of their families.

"Many people particularly youths who commit crimes do so under the influence of drugs, their body systems get high before embarking on their crimes, some even abandon school to sell drugs or take to killing people and cutting their body parts for sale to get quick money," she said.

Young girls and boys she says in homes and families with dangerous animal tattoo marks on their bodies take drugs to commit incest and other sexual crimes punishable by law. She warned youths to be careful of the company of friends they keep as peer pressure and style of dressing encourage drug use as these have great effect on their character and behavior in the public.

Adegoke urged Nigerians particularly the people of Ikeji-Ile, Arakeji and other neighbor communities in the area to be peaceful and stay clear of drugs as it may bring premature death and diseases of all kinds.

"Many in the community see NDLEA as enemy of the people, this is not true, but the fact remains that my organization have zero tolerance for drug pushers and users, we work for peace, good health and wellbeing of families and homes of all Nigerians,” she said.

She further expressed the dangers inherent in the use of medicated drugs by parents and youths without following doctor's prescription or manufacturers’ guidelines for use.

“Do not use Illegal or prohibited drugs and recommended hospital drugs must not be mismanaged," she said.

Adegoke reminded the large crowd of people at the lecture that NDLEA work is not limited only to implementing government laws on Cannabis growers, traders and users alone. NDLEA she says have concern to rehabilitate drug addicts and victims of drug abuse to bring them back healthy and drug free into the society.

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Cathrine Adegoke is the Deputy Commander of Narcotics Osun state NDLEA Command. She represented Osun state NDLEA Commander, Mr. Olayinka Joel Falade at the public lecture.

In his welcome address at the ceremony, the General Manager of the station, Mr. Akolade Adekola thanked the guests, the people of Ikeji-Ile and the general public for their love and support for the station since its inception in 2024.

He expressed his interest for close collaboration with the government, private organizations and business owners, traders and individual from far and near for the growth and development of the station.

In the Carol service, Christmas songs were rendered by choirs from God of Convenant Church, Ilesa, St. Paul's Cathedral Church, Ijesa North-East Diocese, St. Peter's Anglican Church, Ikeji-Arakeji Ijesa and music was provided by Ooni Royal Trumpeters musical group from Ile-Ife Osun state, Nigeria.

Important dignitaries at the ceremony were, Mr. Julius Adegunna, a Journalist and Pulisher, Mr. Abiodun Ojelabi, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Osun command PPRO,  Barrister (Chief) Akin Isholaotan, the Risa of Ikeji-Ile, Mrs. Abiola Osuntusa, Head of Ikeji-Ile Maternity center, Mrs. Hannah Ibitayo, Matron Ikeji-Ile Primary health center, Honourable Jimoh Onikoko, Ikeji-Ile based business man, Traditional Chiefs, Religious leaders and ward political  party leaders in Ikeji-Ile Osun state, Nigeria.