Counter-Terrorism: Gen. Laka Receives Award, Commends Youth Groups’ Campaigns Against Drug Abuse
By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The National Coordinator of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) has commended the campaigns embarked upon by various youth groups against abuse of drugs and substance, especially among the youths.
General Laka gave the commendation, while receiving an award in view of his commitment to the counter-terrorism efforts and sterling leadership qualities, “Africa’s Beacon of Hope” from officials of the ECOWAS Youth Alliance on Friday at the NCTC office complex in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the head, Strategic Communication at NCTC-ONSA, Abu, I. Michael.
Gen. Laka said the effects of drugs and substance abuse have been counterproductive and that the nexus between drug-abuse and crimes was obvious, urging various youth groups and organisations to pursue aggressive campaigns against drug abuse, especially among youths in Nigeria, other states of West Africa and the Sahel.
According to him, many violent-related cases were induced by drug abuse.
The counter terrorism boss also called on youth organisations in the region and the Sahel to work towards ensuring the return of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to the ECOWAS’ fold, pointing out that Africans are one irrespective of the geographic boundaries.
The officials of the ECOWAS Youth Alliance were led by Honourable James Uneze from Nigeria, and the Secretary, Honourable Austine Kwassi from Cote D’Ivoire who presented the award and medal of “Champion” to General Laka.