By Yemi Akintunde
Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, is seeking more collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations to achieve its paramount aim of reducing drug abuse to the barest minimum in Nigerian society.
This call was made today by the State Commander of NDLEA, Ogun State Command, CN Tijani Rabe while receiving leaders of the National Association of Seadogs, [Pyrates Confraternity], Ash Montana Deck in his office during a courtesy call led by the Deck Capoon, Mr Ganiu Omitogun.
The State Commander who was represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics Olubayo Babatunde expressed his appreciation for the existing collaboration works between the Pyrates Confraternity in Ogun and NDLEA noting that the Agency needed more of such collaborations from NGOs and individuals.
The State Commander requested for further briefing about the activities of the visiting association noting that the public perception of the organisation was still confusing even with the notable humanitarian and charity it has recorded over years.
“What I know is that Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and 6 other eminent scholars founded the organisation but nothing more than that. I am also aware of your various humanitarian and charity projects through the press; yet there is this aura of fear surrounding it”.
“Maybe you need to let people know more about you, how they can join the organisation, the criteria, the qualifications etc. As for us, with the little we know about your activities, we are ready to collaborate with you at any time in curbing the menace of drug abuse. We will also appreciate your assistance in generating a pool of individuals and NGOs of like minds to achieve our noble objectives.”
The Ash Montana Capoon, Ganiu Omitogun traced the foundation of the association to 1952 at the University College Ibadan highlighting the aims and objectives and the reason for pulling it out of the campuses in 1984 when mimics introduced violence into the idea of campus confraternity.
The Capoon also listed the various projects of NAS that had touched on the lives of people all over the world while explaining the aims and objectives of the association which according to him could be accessed on the Internet including how people could join.
“We are not a cult, but a men-only body. We have our reasons for this; but our wives are automatic associate members. They assist a lot in our operations. Yes, there had been selective perceptions about who we are. That was due to our belief in not blowing our trumpet.”
“Apart from Wole Soyinka that you know, some of our members in Ogun State include the reigning Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo CFR, Former Commissioner of Commerce, Lisa Adesina Adejobi, Onimoero of Egbaland and Chairman Civil Service Commission, Engr. Tokubo Odebunmi, to mention a few. You are free to join if you have NYSC discharge certificate and you can pass the examinations.”
“We cultivated NDLEA as our major partner because of our understanding that violence, insecurity and mental health have a direct link with drug abuse. We are willing to do more”.
Mr Omitogun commended NDLEA for the improvement in the activities of the Agency since the beginning of the administration of General Buba Maruwa Rtd while noting there was more work to be done.
The Capoon was accompanied by the Immediate Past Area Mate2, Yemi Akintunde, a veteran journalist, Immediate Past Capoon, Adegbenga Olubiyi, Chartered Accountant and Tsunami/TBS Coordinator, Emmanuel Arinze, retired principal
