The Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has paid a strategic courtesy visit to the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr Daniel K. Olukoya, at the church’s International Headquarters.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government’s drug enforcement agency and faith-based organisations in the fight against substance abuse and related challenges in Lagos State.
The NDLEA delegation was led by the Lagos State Commander, Commander Abubakar Wali Liman, and comprised other senior officers of the agency, including Deputy Commander J.E. Akogwu and Deputy Commander of Narcotics and DDR, Titilope Ogunluyi.
The engagement was described as an important step towards deepening cooperation in drug education, substance use prevention, rehabilitation and other interventions targeted at reducing the impact of drug abuse in society.
NDLEA Recognises MFM’s Contribution
During the meeting, the NDLEA leadership acknowledged the contributions of Dr Olukoya, MFM and the Mountain Top Rehabilitation Centre (MTRC) to efforts aimed at addressing substance abuse.
The agency particularly recognised the role of the church and its rehabilitation centre in drug education, prevention initiatives, rehabilitation and the broader field of prevention science.
The visit therefore provided an opportunity for both parties to explore stronger cooperation between faith-based intervention programmes and government-led drug control policies.
Representatives of Mountain Top Rehab, including Olusola Tejuosho, Olugbenga Taiwo and Babatunde Oladipupo, also participated in the engagement.
Their presence underscored the role of rehabilitation and community-based interventions in complementing government efforts to tackle substance use and support affected individuals.
Focus on Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation
The engagement comes against the backdrop of the growing need for coordinated efforts involving government institutions, religious organisations, rehabilitation centres and other stakeholders in addressing substance abuse.
While law enforcement remains an important component of the fight against illicit drugs, prevention, public education, rehabilitation and reintegration are also critical in helping individuals affected by substance use.
The collaboration between the NDLEA and MFM could therefore provide an avenue for combining the agency’s enforcement and prevention programmes with the church’s existing faith-based and rehabilitation initiatives.
The Mountain Top Rehabilitation Centre has been involved in activities relating to rehabilitation and substance use prevention, making it a significant point of engagement between the religious organisation and the anti-drug agency.
Appreciation for Dr Olukoya’s Efforts
During the courtesy visit, the NDLEA leadership expressed appreciation for the work being carried out by Dr Olukoya and his team in the area of drug education, prevention and rehabilitation.
The agency’s recognition of the MFM’s efforts highlights the importance of partnerships beyond conventional law enforcement in confronting the social and health consequences associated with substance abuse.
Such partnerships can help expand awareness, encourage early intervention and provide support for people seeking to overcome substance use problems.
The meeting also demonstrated the potential for faith-based organisations to serve as partners in prevention campaigns, particularly through their extensive community networks and ability to reach large numbers of people.
Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration
The visit is expected to further encourage dialogue between the NDLEA and MFM on possible areas of collaboration in drug prevention and rehabilitation.
For Lagos State, where a large and diverse population presents significant challenges for public awareness and drug-control initiatives, cooperation between government agencies and established community institutions could help broaden the reach of prevention programmes.
The meeting between Commander Abubakar Wali Liman and Dr Olukoya also reflects the importance of bringing different stakeholders together to address substance abuse from multiple perspectives.
Beyond enforcement, sustained public education, rehabilitation and prevention remain essential components of efforts to reduce drug-related harm and protect vulnerable members of society.
The courtesy visit therefore marked an important engagement between the NDLEA Lagos Command and MFM, with both sides recognising the value of cooperation in advancing the fight against substance abuse and promoting healthier communities.
