Ex-Nigeria’s Envoy To UN Appeals For Improved Funding For NDLEA, Other Agencies 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, has called for improved funding for the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA), and other related agencies to bolster their operations.
According to him, these agencies have been performing diligently and deserve adequate funding, ultramodern equipment, infrastructure and other related operational logistics.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that Amb. Bande, who is also the incumbent District Head of Besse, in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, spoke on Saturday in Sokoto at a one-day ‘Brainstorming Session’ organized by the Sokoto Advancement Forum (SAF).
Our Correspondent also reports that the event, was organized in collaboration with the Centre for Peace Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as part of enlightenment to tackle the rampant drug abuse in Nigeria, especially among the youth population.
According to the don, these agencies must also be given adequate funds for routine training as well as other incentives for them to be more effective.
Amb. Bande admonished leaders at all levels to step up their commitment towards stemming the tide of drug abuse in their respective states and the country in general.
” The drugs menace spares no family, society or community. There is also connection between banditry, kidnapping and other social ills.
“Political activities are also part of the problems aggravating the drugs menace in the country.
“Even preachings have also become a space where people kill others,” he said.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, harped on the need for collective efforts to fight the menace of drug abuse.
” A drugs infested youths will never give good leadership in the future. We are unwaveringly committed to tackling this menace,” the Sultan added.
Delivering his remarks, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, appealed for collective efforts to fight the menace, saying “the fight against drugs abuse cannot be won by the agency alone”.
The NDLEA Boss represented by Dr. Shehu Dankolo, the Director, Prevention and Sensitization of the agency, said “communities must support law enforcement agencies by providing timely information about drugs dealers, traffickers and emerging drug hot spots.”
On his part, the Chairman of SAF. Amb. Ahmed Muhammad Wali, represented by his deputy, Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said that the Sokoto Advancement Forum is a non-partisan organization comprising concerned citizens and stakeholders committed to the holistic development of State.
Prof. Shehu, a former Vice-Chancellor of UDUS, added, “Our vision is to see a Sokoto State where every child has access to quality education, where every citizen lives in dignity and security, and where our rich cultural and Islamic heritage serves as a foundation for progress and development.
“The Forum is intended to serve as a vehicle for unity, accountability, innovation, and strategic action. SAF believes that our shared future depends on our ability to act with clarity, urgency, and collective purpose.
“Therefore, every stakeholder has a role to play. Since its establishment in April 2025, the forum has been showing concern to critical development issues affecting our dear state.
“It has developed a 5- year (2026 -2031) strategic blueprint for the development of Sokoto State, covering eleven areas: agriculture, business development, education, environment, ethics and culture, gender, health, ICT, infrastructure and industrialization, public service and security.”
The Vice-Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Bashir Garba, represented by Prof. Zayyannu Umar, the Dean, Students’ Affairs, described drug abuse as a menace that is wrecking unimaginable havoc on the society, and called for concerted effort to ensure a healthier and drugs-free society.
The Secretary of the forum, Alhaji Malami Ladan, a retired Permanent Secretary, lamented that drugs abuse, especially amongst the youths has grown into one of the greatest threats confronting the Nigerian society.
He added, “It destroys lives, weakens families, fuels criminal activities, contributes to insecurity, reduces productivity and robs our communities of their brightest talents.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Prof. Malami Umar Tambuwal, represented by Fatima Abubakar Gidadawa, extolled the foresight of the Sokoto Advanced Forum in organizing the programme.
“I must commend all the participants and everyone who has been given the privilege to discuss and make valuable contributions towards highlighting the dangers and implications of drug abuse on our dear brothers, sisters, and children.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to protect our youth and to grant peace, unity, and safety to our dear Sokoto State.” he said.
