The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Queeneth Orobedo, has received the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, for a two-day sensitisation programme themed “Workplace Drug Abuse Control”. The training is aimed at raising workplace awareness and equipping stakeholders with the knowledge to combat drug abuse in the state. The event, which took place at the Edo State Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Palm House, Benin City, attracted a diverse group of participants, including members from the Edo State Fire Department, the Edo State Security Governance Corps, and various ministry staff.
The Director of Inter-Agency and Operations, Thompson Eremosele, while receiving the NDLEA Commander, expressed delight with the limitless opportunities of advancing the frontiers of drug abuse preventive programmes in the State. In his words, “I am delighted to have the NDLEA team in our midst to talk on the significant subject of drug abuse in the workplace. I want you to listen attentively and get the best from the training,” Eremosele stated.
In a keynote address, the Edo State NDLEA Commander spoke on the link between the use of drugs and crimes. He underscored the importance of a collective effort in addressing the drug crisis and called on all security and public safety agencies to take up a proactive role.
“This sensitisation programme is timely and designed to find practical solutions to the drug problem in our communities. Drugs and crime are interlinked. The issue of drug abuse is a societal problem that requires a multifaceted response. We must work together to create a resilient community that prioritises education, prevention, and support systems. Our target is to make ambassadors from these teams who will work as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) partners in taking the message of a drug abuse-free society to other individuals and groups,” Mitchell assured.
In her response, Mrs Queeneth thanked the NDLEA commander and his team for the two-day workshop. “We are pleased to have this workshop addressing the problem of drug abuse in the workplace. I am looking forward to an impactful session and hope that the training will be a continuous exercise. No stone must be left unturned in finding a lasting solution to the drug problem,” She stated.
Throughout the two days, participants were engaged in a series of interactive workshops, presentations, and discussions that covered critical topics, including the effects of drug abuse on individuals and communities, strategies for prevention, and ways to support affected individuals and families.
Experts from the NDLEA highlighted various types of substances commonly abused in the state and shared success stories from rehabilitation programmes that demonstrate the possibility of recovery.
Participants learnt about integrating drug awareness campaigns into their daily operations, enhancing their ability to identify signs of drug abuse and enabling timely interventions. The consensus among attendees was that while enforcement is crucial, a balanced approach involving education and community engagement is equally vital. At the conclusion of the programme, participants expressed a renewed commitment to combatting drug abuse in Edo State.
Plans were set forth to establish a collaborative framework among the various security agencies and ministries, ensuring ongoing training and the implementation of community outreach programs.
While looking ahead, the Edo State NDLEA is poised to follow up on this initiative by launching a series of community forums aimed at extending the dialogue on drug abuse and its implications. Additionally, the NDLEA plans to engage schools and youth organisations in educational programmes designed to empower young individuals with knowledge and resources to resist drug temptations.
Participants left the meeting with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to safeguarding the future of Edo State by standing together in the fight against drug abuse.
