By Suleiman Shehu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has decorated 114 newly promoted officers in Oyo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the newly decorated officers are one Commander of Narcotics, Obiajuru Okorie, seven Deputy Commanders of Narcotics and 106 others.
Speaking during the decoration ceremony, the NDLEA Commander in Oyo State, Mr Lawal Adetula, urged the newly promoted officers to rededicate themselves to serving the agency, Nigeria, and humanity.
Adetula said that being promoted and decorated wasn’t merely an elevation in rank but a call to greater responsibility.
The commander advised the newly decorated officers to ensure they create an impact and add value to the society.
According to him, life without an impact is a life without value.
“Let the people of Oyo State know that something positive has happened. Don’t just wear the uniform or the decoration.
“Ask yourself every day, what value can I add to society. No matter the position you attain in life, be humble.
“I have met professors of philosophy, professors of engineering, professors of medicine, and professors in many other fields, one thing I have learned is that no position belongs to you by yourself.
“Someone gives you the opportunity to occupy that position. Therefore, never allow your position to define your character.
“Instead, let your character add value to your position,” the commander advised.
Adetula appreciated the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, for ensuring that those duly deserving to be promoted were those promoted as and when due.
The commander recalled what he passed through before the appointment of Marwa as NDLEA chairman, saying he lost almost seven years due to delayed promotion during the last administration.
Adetula said that he made impact within three months of his being promoted to Commander.
“When I was posted to Osun State Command, an agrarian state, within one year, history was made.
“Most of the awards you see here came from my time in Osun State. I believe that before I retire, you will also witness even greater achievements.
“Now within six months of my posting to Oyo State, history was made. We placed Oyo State on the global map.
“Wherever people mention Oyo State today, they recognise the achievements that were recorded there,” he said.
The commander charged the promoted officers and others to let drug traffickers and drug abusers know that the agency was determined to combat the menace.
“I was told that many of them left Oyo State because of our operations. Some even said they were waiting for my retirement before returning.
“Well, I will retire one day, but you must continue the fight. They must not return to Oyo State to destroy our children,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni