Health
NDLEA, pharmacists strengthen partnership against drug abuse in Edo
By Adeyinka Adedipe
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, and the pharmaceutical community in the state have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust partnership in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
This came to the fore during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria to the Command Headquarters in Benin City on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of PSN, Edo State Chapter, Dr Chris Oisakede, included the Chairman of ACPN, Dr Nwachukwu Memili, and other distinguished executive members.
They were received by Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, alongside the senior management team of the Command, including the Deputy State Commander, DCN Victor Isibor Chuks, and other deputy commanders and principal officers.
Ofoyeju described the visit as a critical step in intensifying the War Against Drug Abuse campaign.
“I underscored that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility that no single agency can win alone.
“The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from the increasing cultivation of cannabis in forest areas, which also contributes to environmental degradation, to the exploitation of farmers by criminal networks and the alarming trend of schoolchildren being drawn into such activities,” Mitchell stated.
He noted the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and national development. The commander reiterated that drug abuse is a chronic relapsing brain disorder, requiring comprehensive prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.
The Chairman of PSN, Dr Chris Oisakede, commended the Command’s achievements and its holistic approach, combining supply reduction, demand reduction, and public enlightenment.
He assured the Edo State Command of the unwavering support of community pharmacists, who occupy a strategic position through their daily interaction with the public.
He also lauded the agency’s alternative livelihood initiative for cannabis farmers as a progressive step.
Also speaking, the ACPN Chairman, Dr Nwachukwu Memili, highlighted the role of community pharmacists as the technical arm of PSN in ensuring ethical drug distribution. In a remarkable show of solidarity, he announced plans for a free medical outreach for officers and men of the Command.
The interactive session also featured insightful contributions from other leaders, including Dr Grace O. Ogieva, MD/CEO of VJ Essex Pharmacy and a former PSN chairman.
While commending the progress in reducing illicit substance distribution through licensed pharmacies, she proposed a broader scope of collaboration. She called for expanding sensitisation campaigns to include pharmaceutical companies, transport unions, religious institutions, and community groups.
The meeting concluded with Commander Mitchell decorating PSN Chairman Dr Chris Oisakede as a WADA partner and the exchange of souvenirs.
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