By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of substance abuse among Nigerian youths. In a bid to enhance counselling and rehabilitation efforts, both agencies have embarked on a partnership that promises to yield positive outcomes for the nation’s youth.
This partnership is particularly timely, given the increasing prevalence of substance abuse among young people in Nigeria. By combining their expertise and resources, the NYSC and NDLEA aim to provide critical support and guidance to those struggling with addiction, and help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Acting Director Information and Public Relations, Carloline Embu in an official signed statement disclosed that the Director General NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu has acceded to the request of the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) for the Scheme to deploy Corps Members with relevant qualifications to the Agency’s Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres nationwide.
General Marwa disclosed that the centres are already in existence in 30 States with plans to establish 7 more, in a bid to ensure that the 36 States and the FCT had one each.
The NDLEA boss made this request when the NYSC Director General paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. Marwa called for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies which would streamline their areas of cooperation.
General Marwa congratulated the NYSC Chief Executive on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure of office.
Speaking earlier, Nafiu paid glowing tributes to the towering achievements that stood as footprints of Marwa’s time as Lagos State Governor and his achievements at the NDLEA among others.
On the call for certified drug integrity test for prospective Corps Members by the NDLEA Chairman, General Nafiu said it is a good idea, but pointed out that it is a policy matter, as such, the NYSC could not act on it especially as the Scheme’s enabling Act did not provide for such action.
He however added that it would be implemented if it becomes a policy of the Government.
