NDLEA Honours Akpomudje, Oharisi, and others in Ughelli

THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, weekend honoured the Chairman, Body of Benchers of Nigeria and Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Albert Akpomudje SAN, Eyavwien-Alaka I, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and HRM Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okoroefe I, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom and Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom respectively
with awards of recognition for their outstanding contributions to the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Delta State.

The awards were presented during the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the Kingdom Hall in Ughelli.

The event had traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, youth groups, religious leaders and civil society organisations gathered to reaffirm their commitment to a drug-free society.

Presenting the awards, the Deputy State Commander, Shehu Garba, said the recognition was in appreciation of the monarchs' unwavering support for the agency's advocacy campaigns and their consistent efforts in promoting peace, discipline and responsible living within their respective kingdoms. 

He noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in the fight against drug abuse.

According to the NDLEA, the royal fathers have continued to use their positions of influence to educate youths on the dangers of substance abuse, encourage community participation in crime prevention and support initiatives aimed at reducing the spread of illicit drugs across Delta communities.

Responding on behalf of the award recipients, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Albert Akpomudje, SAN, expressed gratitude to the NDLEA for the honour, describing the award as a call to greater responsibility in the fight against drug abuse.

The monarch stressed that tackling the drug menace requires more than enforcement, noting that rehabilitation, counselling and sustained public enlightenment are equally important in helping victims overcome addiction.

"We cannot simply abandon people who have fallen into drug abuse. It is not just about enforcement; we must also rehabilitate them and help them understand the dangers associated with substance abuse," he said.

"I want to commend the NDLEA for bringing together royal fathers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders for the anti-drug campaign, saying the large turnout underscored the importance of collective action against the growing menace.

"I thank the NDLEA for finding us worthy of this recognition. Having honoured us, we owe a duty to join the campaign against drug abuse. As royal fathers, we will continue to educate our youths on the dangers of substance abuse and support every genuine effort aimed at building a drug-free society." The monarch said.

The royal monarch assured the agency that the traditional institution would continue to play a leading role in sensitising young people as the throne is closer to the grassroots and are well positioned to influence positive behavioural change.