By Oghenekevwe Laba
The Federal Government is set to improve the country’s economic productivity through effective drug control. Minister of labour and productivity Barrister Emeka Wogu gave the assurance in Lagos at a Bi-Monthly Business Luncheon organised by AES Excellence Club, an initiative of Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies.
A statement signed by Ofoyeju Mitchell NDLEA Head, Public Affairsmade available to Urhobotoday said Wogu in his key note address pointed out that although entrepreneurs are the backbone of economic growth, use of illicit drugs can derail a good policy and render the best entrepreneur unproductive. According to him, “government is not insensitive to the plight of the unemployed. There are policies in place to generate jobs but while we are creating jobs we must equally prevent attrition of jobs. Drug abuse affects productivity. I will work with the NDLEA on drug control programmes in order to protect the workforce from drug use and other habits that can make them unproductive”.
Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Otunba Femi Ajayi who delivered a paper on The Role of NDLEA in Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development said that the Anti-drug Agency is important to a healthy and productive economy. Ajayi stated that “NDLEA promotes Agricultural productivity, public health, food and natural security. Every economy needs competent human resource to keep it functional. This is possible when the labour force is free from drug abuse and addiction”.
He added that in view of the critical role the Agency plays in national security and socio-economic development, more funds should be allocated for drug control.
Among the dignitaries present at the occasion was a renowned industrialist, Chief Sunny Odogwu who was presented with a Life-Time Excellent Leadership Award. The presentation was jointly made by the President, Governing Council of AES Excellence Club Dr Ausbeth Ajagu and Chairman AES Excellence Club Dr. Nike Akande.
In her welcome remarks, Dr Nike said that among the many benefits of the AES Excellence Club was the provision of sound academic and practical training on entrepreneurship and leadership as well as development of excellence and enterprise in workplace.