The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has applauded the Lagos State Government for its achievements in the war against drug abuse.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), made the commendation during a working visit to Correctional Centre for Boys, Isheri.

In a statement released by the state government on Wednesday, Brig. Gen, Marwa said, “I commend the Lagos State Government for the steps taken so far to sustain its fight against drug abuse.

“This Centre (Correctional Centre for Boys) has helped in drug reduction and rehabilitation of persons that could have become victims of drug abuse”.

He acknowledged the challenges being faced by the State Government which include inadequate Vocational Training Centres and lack of adequate funds to upgrade the available ones.

In the same vein, the State Government however noted that it would not relent in its aggressive drive to combat drug abuse.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Olugbenga Ayoola Aina, said that the last two years, the State Government had set up the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse Campaign under @lagosmysd, launched 1000 Youth Walk Against Drug Abuse in the State and trained 100 Field Officers among several other interventions.

Although Dawodu noted that the Ministry is facing some challenges including a lack of professional staff, insufficient consultants in each school, as well as inadequate and conducive auditoria in schools among several others, it is committed to ensuring victory in the fight against drug abuse.

“With dogged determination on our side and collaboration with the NDLEA, we will definitely triumph over this monster that has created fertile ground for different crimes to thrive in our society,” Dawodu assured the NDLEA Boss.