Alaafin hails Marwa, recalls ‘Keke Marwa’ legacy

File Photo: The Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade

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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has hailed the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), describing him as a consistent performer whose legacies—including the introduction of the popular ‘Keke Marwa’ —continue to shape Nigeria.

Keke Marwa, the popular commercial tricycle, was named after Brig. Gen. Marwa in recognition of his pioneering role in introducing tricycles in Lagos during his tenure as the military governor of the state from 1996 to 1999.

Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Owoade said Marwa’s track record as a former military administrator of Borno and Lagos states showed his commitment to public service.

This was contained in a statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

“We are proud of you. Your being in this position is not by chance; it is because of your devotion and commitment. Another thing I can’t forget is the legacy of ‘Keke Marwa’ that you brought to Nigeria, ” he was quoted as saying.

Responding to Marwa’s call for greater traditional institution involvement in combating substance abuse, the Alaafin pledged full collaboration.

He said traditional rulers, being closest to the grassroots, were well positioned to support the fight.

“We are more than ready to work with you and give you all necessary support. Anytime you need us, we will always be there,” he stated.

Earlier, Marwa congratulated the Alaafin on his ascension to the throne and urged traditional rulers across the country to leverage their influence to curb drug abuse within their communities.

He warned that drug use in Nigeria remained high, citing the 2018 national survey that showed nearly 15 million Nigerians between 15 and 64 use drugs.

He said the Agency was committed to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to intensify the fight against illicit drugs by arresting offenders, prosecuting traffickers and seizing their assets.

Marwa appealed to traditional rulers to also engage religious leaders to strengthen advocacy against drug abuse.

He noted that intelligence from community leaders would help the agency tackle drug dealers who endanger young people.

“If we are able to control drug use, criminality will come down because kidnappers, insurgents, terrorists and bandits use drugs to charge themselves,” he said.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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