By Ibironke Ariyo
The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, says drug control must be treated as a national security priority to safeguard communities and protect Nigeria’s future.
Odumosu stated this in Abuja while receiving the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Lecture (SAEMA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Emergency Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Ltd.
The event was held in collaboration with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS).
Odumosu expressed appreciation to the organisers, awardees and stakeholders for promoting security excellence.
This, he said, was through a forward-looking theme, “Drug Control and National Security: Innovation for a Safer Tomorrow.”
He said the theme was timely, noting that drug abuse and illicit trafficking posed growing threats to communities, critical infrastructure and the wellbeing of the youth.
“The harmful link between substance abuse, crime, terrorism, vandalism and social instability demands bold, innovative strategies across institutions,” he said.
He said that the NSCDC as an agency mandated to protect lives, secure critical national assets and strengthen community safety, remained dedicated to supporting approaches that address drug-related risks.
Odumosu said that innovation must drive the response, particularly in intelligence gathering, community engagement, technology deployment and partnership-building.
“These approaches are essential to building safer neighbourhoods, empowering young people and securing a stable future for our nation,” he said.
He commended the organisers for sustaining a platform that recognised outstanding contributions to security management, adding that the awards reinforce the importance of teamwork in protecting society.
Odumosu urged government agencies, private organisations, civil society groups and community leaders to renew their commitment to collective action against drug abuse.
“As we celebrate today, let us also resolve to work together towards a Nigeria where safety is guaranteed, innovation thrives and drug abuse has no place,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
