18/09/2025
NOA Niger State Director Decorated as WADA Ambassador in Strengthened Synergy with NDLEA on 17 September, 2025
The Niger State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) played host to the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a significant courtesy visit aimed at reinforcing the collaborative efforts between the two federal agencies.
The State Director of NOA, Mallam Yahaya Ibrahim Gbongbo, received the Commander of the NDLEA in Niger State, Commander Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa, and his team at the NOA State Headquarters in Minna.
The high point of the visit was the decoration of Mallam Yahaya Ibrahim Gbongbo as an official ambassador of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. This investiture recognizes his leadership and the critical role of NOA in grassroots mobilization and public advocacy, which are essential to the success of the national campaign against substance abuse.
In his remarks, Commander Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa stated that the visit was to strengthen the existing synergy between the NDLEA and NOA. He emphasized that winning the war against drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach involving prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
"NOA, with its vast network and mandate to shape public opinion and mobilize citizens, is a natural and crucial partner for the NDLEA," Commander Gwadabawa said. "By working together, we can amplify our message, reach every community in Niger State, and discourage our youths from the scourge of drug addiction."
In his acceptance speech, the newly decorated WADA Ambassador, Mallam Yahaya Ibrahim Gbongbo, thanked the NDLEA for the honour and reaffirmed NOA's commitment to the partnership.
"This ambassadorship is a call to greater duty. The mandate of NOA is to promote national values and social cohesion, and nothing threatens these more than substance abuse," Mallam Gbongbo stated. "We will leverage our community orientation and mobilization machinery across the 25 Local Government Areas to take the WADA message to the grassroots. Together, we will educate, inform, and empower our people to choose a drug-free life."
The collaboration is expected to significantly boost the fight against drug abuse in Niger State through advocacy campaigns, community sensitization, and dialogue.
Prepared by:
Abdullahi Muazu Ndaliman,
Media and communication department,
NOA Niger State Directorate.
National Orientation Agency, Nigeria.