By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The death of a woman who broke down after her son became addicted to illicit drugs has been cited as a driving force behind a new partnership between the General Hospital, Badagry, and the NDLEA’s Seme Special Area Command to combat drug abuse in border communities.
The Area Commander, Commander of Narcotics Njoku Rita Chinyere, disclosed the tragic case on Tuesday, 4 August, 2026 at the Seme border, during a familiarisation visit by the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Oluseyi Adesola, decrying how the incident reflected the devastating toll of substance abuse on families and communities.
“We would require officers from your facility to join us to promote sensitisation on prevention of substance abuse ravaging our country,” she said, stressing the urgency of collective action against the menace.
The partnership, according to Chinyere, would boost her institutional capacity to deliver the Federal Government’s mandate of eradicating drug abuse among Nigerians.
She solicited the hospital’s support to enable her organisation embark on full-scale sensitisation and rehabilitation programmes across the Seme-Badagry area to curb criminality in the target communities.
Responding, Adesola expressed his readiness to partner with the NDLEA in safeguarding the health of the populace, commending the agency for its integrity in combating drug abuse and pledging his continued support in the area of healthcare.
“We’re here to appreciate you for the excellent work that you’re doing. What you’re doing gives the country hope, and we wish to identify with you as a reputable organisation,” he said.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen safety protocols against drug abuse, protect the future of Nigerians and foster peaceful coexistence within border communities.
The meeting featured the presentation of a plaque by the NDLEA to the Medical Director, and a reciprocal corporate gift from the hospital to the Commander of Narcotics.
Also in attendance were the hospital’s Director of Clinical Services and Training, Dr Akinwunmi Akinyemi; Apex Nurse, Mary Ajayi; and Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Tajudeen Ogunbekun, alongside other staff of the institution.
