Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ilyasu Mani has said that hard drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality in Borno state.

Mani who was represented by Assistant Commander of Narcotics drug remand reduction unit Abdullahi Sardauna posited that 70 percent of the criminality pervading communities in the State is due to hard drugs.

The Commander Abdullahi Sardauna noted that the craving for material things among young people “have killed our young ones and to maintain it they must involve in criminality.”

He put the blame for this malaise squarely on the head of some elders who he says do not ask how their sons and daughters get instant wealth.

The Commander noted that hard drugs do not have a religion or ethnicity but resides in any family that allows it which is why the young ones key into it.

He suggested that policy makers should ensure that all probable suitors should be made to go through drug tests before tying the nuptial nuts in the country as a matter of urgency.

“To stem the tide of drugs and improve on the morality of the young ones, we now have ndlea stations in higher institutions which is our contribution towards the creation of continuous drug preventive education for our children.

” We have also extended our community engagement through enlightenment and sensitization in the surrounding communities of all the higher institutions where our personnel exist.

“We believe that involvement of traditional and religious leaders in the war against drugs can go a long way in effecting a complete family.” said sardauna.

Participants drawn from critical segments of society provided ideas on change of attitude, restoration of core values and contemporary way of life.

The Borno State Government organized the maiden Zonal Town Hall meeting for Social Reorientation at the Conference Hall of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri on Monday this week to commence the reorientation of the minds of the people to open a new page as peace returns.

The event brought together critical stakeholders from the Borno Central Senatorial District to discuss ways and means of fast-tracking the Borno Restoration Project as the state edges towards peace.

The Town Hall meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue, collaboration, and engagement among key stakeholders in Borno State, with the aim of promoting attitudinal change that will renew the pride in Borno’s values and restore the age-old honour, dignity, and prosperity of the State.

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information & Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, thanked participants for keeping faith with the Borno State Government by being patient till the end of the one day prog.

The Governor reiterated the Borno State Government’s commitment towards working with all relevant stakeholders to revive the values, morals and dignity of the state, by reclaiming our position as a regional hub for development in the North East region..

Earlier, Prof Tar provided a background on the social reorientation pillar of the Borno State 25 Year Development Framework and 10 Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

In a keynote paper, the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Mairo Mandara, reflected on the Borno changing dynamics of societal perception of itself in turbulent times, and how a new culture of peace and prosperity should emerge from the rubbles of extreme violence.

She noted that the Borno Restoration Project is aimed at building a vibrant and enterprising people who are committed to “Building Borno Back Better.” Dr Mandara noted that the building of peace, security and development in Borno requires a collective responsibility from all stakeholders.

In his lead paper, Dr Hassan Boguma (the Zannah Boguma of Borno), reflected on the importance of conscious cultural identity as the worth and values of individuals, underscoring the need for communities, especially the Youths, People Living with Disabilities, marginal and vulnerable segments of society to be carried along in governance, to take ownership of development programmes and embrace a collective culture of belonging, imbibe livelihood strategies, and contribute to economic development of Borno State.

The Panel Session themed “Rewriting the narratives through social reorientation” featured panelists cutting across religious and traditional institutions, youth and women representatives provided an open platform for discussion with the audience around issues of social reorientation in the state.

A rich discussion unearthed a lot of ideas and recommendations for the social reorientation program in Borno State.

Communique issued at the end of the program, called for change of attitude amongst Borno people, and a spirited return to age-hallowed virtues of discipline, respect, dignity, tolerance, industry, creativity and self sustenance.

The Communique called on Borno State Government to put in place the resources for not only infrastructural development, but also development of a social fabric that will reinforce the State Government’s drive toward building an agricultural and industrial base, and a self-sufficient and export-oriented economy in Borno State.

In attendance were dignitaries from the government, security agencies, the academia, media organisations CSOs, CBOs, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders.

Hard Drugs consumption is responsible for increased criminality…. NDLEA commander