The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Buba Marwa has commended the Chairman of Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu for his philanthropy and support for humanity.
Mr Marwa gave the commendation at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, when he received a letter of grant of N500 million to fund selected projects of the agency from the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Ubom Udoh.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr Marwa said the grant was given to the NDLEA in recognition of the many successes it had recorded nationally and internationally in the fight against illicit substance abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
This, he said, came under the ASR Africa Security Sector Support Scheme, an intervention initiative targeted at sustainably impactful interventions in security and social development in Africa.
Mr Marwa, however, described Rabiu as a patriot, philanthropist and foremost industrialist who had human interest at heart.
He recounted the pivotal role the chairman of BUA Group played in 2019/2020 along with his colleagues in the business sector to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss stated that the drug scourge was not what only the government and the agency could fight alone, adding that there was the urgent need for all stakeholders to rise up like the ASR Africa.
This, he said, was for them to support the nation’s War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, initiative, which encouraged all citizens, both corporate and individual, to be stakeholders.
“By acknowledging the existence of the drug scourge, ASR Africa has positioned itself as an important stakeholder toward eradicating the menace in Nigeria”, Mr Marwa stated,
Mr Marwa added that the grant would be used toward sustainable and impactful projects relevant to the current reality of the drug problem in the country.
Speaking earlier, the CEO of ASR Africa said the grant was part of efforts of the chairman of BUA group to give back to the African continent.
He said that it was to also make lasting impact in peace and security, as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans.
“Your selection is in recognition of the many successes you have recorded nationally and internationally.
“The high quality of service delivered by your agency, and the excellence of your men and women to the service of the nation were recognised,” he said.
NAN