The New Kwara state Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Muhammed Ibrahim, has solicited the support of traditional institutions to curb drug menace in the state.

He made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, where he also sought for royal blessings from the traditional ruler.

Ibrahim urged the Emir to pray for him and his team as they plan to completely eliminate use of substances in the state.

“It is a great pleasure to be here to receive royal blessing from the Emir. I am not here to just come and see the Emir, rather to receive his blessings.

“Despite courtesy calls from different angles, I have refused to attend to other persons until I receive the royal blessing from the Emir.

Your royal highness, I am here to tell you that one of your subject is here to work. I need your blessings to carry on,” he said.

The commander also urged the royal father to cooperate and support the NDLEA on its bid to end drug abuse in all parts of the state, saying that the Agency cannot do it alone.

Ibrahim revealed that the agency’s record had shown that drug use prevalence rate in Kwara in the last one year is 14 per cent, which demands urgent attention.

He assured that the Kwara command has able men and officers that would help to curb the activities of drug supply in the state.

He pledged to increase NDLEA patrol activities in all parts of the state and be proactive in team approach.

“We need cooperation, support of royal majesty, other traditional rulers, opinion leaders and leaders that are close to grassroot.

“We need the State Government, individuals that are well to do in the society to end drug menace in the society. NDLEA can’t do it alone,” he said

The commandant also promised to scale up public sensitisation, creating awareness and advocacy to halt drug and substance demand in the state stressing that the agency would employ interaction tactics with people at the grassroots level and as well partner with traditional rulers to tackle drug related offences.

The NDLEA boss also disclosed that schools, market places and motor parks would host most of the sensitisation programmes.

Responding, the first-class traditional ruler commended the NDLEA commander for the visit and assured of his readiness to support and partner with the agency to achieve its mission.

Sulu-Gambari, who is also the state Chairman of Council of Chiefs, assured that his door would remain open to the NDLEA.

“You have already received my blessings. I assure you that I will always listen to you and open my door for you when you come knocking.

“We want the best for Kwara and so we will always cooperate with you. Welcome to the state of harmony,” the emir assured the new NDLEA boss.