The Lagos State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its community engagement efforts, seeking stronger collaboration with traditional institutions in the fight against illicit drugs and substance abuse.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the State Commander, Abubakar Liman Wali, led a delegation of senior officers on an advocacy and courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Suleiman Adekunle Bamgbade Ayodele III, the Olofin of Isheri and Arole Olofin Ogunfuminire Adimula of Awori Land, at his palace in Isheri, Lagos.
The visit, part of the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, aimed to seek royal blessings and explore areas of synergy to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the Isheri community and its environs.
In his remarks, Oba Bamgbade Ayodele III welcomed the NDLEA delegation and shared a brief history of the kingdom. He expressed deep concern over the rising rate of drug abuse and illicit drug distribution in the area, citing the strategic location of Isheri—bordering Lagos and Ogun States and hosting multiple motor parks along the Berger corridor—which has made the community a transit hub for drug movement.
Responding, Commander Wali thanked the monarch for the warm reception and assured him of NDLEA’s readiness, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), CON, to establish formations in any community willing to cooperate and provide basic support such as office accommodation.
During the interactive session, the Chairman of Isheri North Estates raised concerns over the vulnerability of youths to drug abuse in the community and requested a permanent NDLEA presence to address the problem.
The Olofin reiterated his commitment to supporting the agency, revealing that he had earlier visited the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja to advocate for a federal presence in his domain. He pledged to assist in any way possible to ensure the success of the initiative.
The visit ended with an inspection of two proposed sites for an NDLEA office in the area, signaling a major step toward strengthening collaboration between the agency and the Awori kingdom in safeguarding the community from the scourge of drug abuse.