The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared that it will collaborate with the international touring bikers group Jeje Riders Nigeria, to fight drug abuse among youths and children of age across the country.
The chairman of NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen, Buba Marwa made the declaration when he played host to members of the Jeje Riders Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy in Abuja on Wednesday.
The visit was a prelude to the flag-off of a nationwide students’ anti-drug abuse campaign in Yola scheduled for October 12, 2024, to be anchored by Jeje Riders.
The NDLEA chairman expressed delight and commended the group for choosing to assist the NDLEA with a campaign to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse in schools and the hinterlands across the nation.
Gen. Marwa said riders are misconstrued internationally to be associated with criminal abuse, drug use, misdemeanours and other social vices, which is not the case with Jeje Riders.
He asserted that Jeje Riders significantly contribute to the nation’s health and well-being.
Marwa stated, “I commend you for your initiatives and participation in making this a successful organisation. You must face the youth, where the calamity that will befall us today lies.
“The level of drug use among Nigerian youths is touching; primary school, secondary and tertiary institutions, and not to talk of those that are out of school. Millions are out of school and because of the poverty index, we have a situation where there is no food to eat, they roam around, and maybe a colleague will give them a pill to chew that can kill the hunger and make them happy at the same time, and before you know it, it becomes a problem so this type of work is very important. The NDLEA cannot alone solve the drug use problem, nor can the government, the whole of society; everyone has to contribute his or her quota.
“We appreciate the work you are doing. We will collaborate
with you and keep you informed of everything you do. It is a very important assignment you put yourself to do. It is a national assignment. One in seven Nigerians use drugs, and that is very high, but with your collaboration, I am sure you will put in your best and make a difference.”
Speaking earlier, the president and chairman of the board of Trustees of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Ibrahim Tizhe, while introducing members of the group to the NDLEA boss said Jeje Riders was established in 2022 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has 24 members who are from different professional backgrounds, including the military, the police, medical personnel and business professionals from across the nation with affiliations to biker groups from other countries across the world.
Explaining the purpose of the visit to the NDLEA headquarters, a member of the group, Mr Tijjani St. James, said the group is made up of like-minded individuals and professionals from various backgrounds with a passion for improving the quality of life in the country.
He said Jeje Riders have been to several countries around the world and are involved actively in humanitarian works.
“Our key objectives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include community development, peace advocacy, and youth development.
“We have in the past focused our attention on schools across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States, but we thought that because of the nature of us, especially the youths who are attracted to us, we decided to leverage that love for us to support the tremendous job the NDLEA is doing.
Speaking further, St. James said the Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri has committed his support for the flag off of the event in his state, including the head of Inter-Pol Africa.
He stated that influential persons like Ahmed Musa, Ali Nuhu, MI Abaga and some influential comedians like Akpororo will headline the occasion to influence the youths positively.