By mercy Peter
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), has pledged the agency’s support for the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in its drive to combat disinformation, misinformation, and fake news.
Marwa made the pledge in Abuja after receiving DICAN’s Prestigious International Award for Bravery and Innovation in the Fight Against Illicit Drugs.
He was represented at the event by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Expressing delight at the recognition, Babafemi noted that the award was a strong validation of the NDLEA’s reforms and achievements under Marwa’s leadership.
“The honour and recognition given to the Chairman and Chief Executive, and indeed to the agency as a whole, indicates that what we are doing is not going unnoticed.
What motivates us to do more is not just the impact of our efforts, but also the feedback that people appreciate our work,” Babafemi said.
He emphasized that the award was not only for Marwa but also for NDLEA personnel across the country.
“Actually, they are the ones doing the work on the field, while he provides guidance and leadership,” he added.
Marwa further commended DICAN for organizing what was described as the world’s first journalists’ event bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on the theme:
“Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation:
The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability.”
He assured the association of NDLEA’s continued partnership in advancing the initiative for the good of Nigeria and the international community.
“By the grace of God, we will be looking forward to your next programme, and we will definitely be physically present to encourage and support what you are doing,” he promised.
Earlier, DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, explained that the NDLEA was selected for the award in recognition of its bold initiatives in combating drug cartels, barons, and transnational drug trafficking syndicates.
Frederick stressed that the association, given its global perspective and interaction with the diplomatic community, is acutely aware of the threats posed by criminal networks.
He also underscored the dangers of foreign information manipulation, disinformation, and fake news, which he said undermine democracy and national security.
He appealed to relevant stakeholders to support DICAN through capacity-building initiatives aimed at sharpening the skills of its members in identifying and tackling disinformation and foreign interference.
“We are committed to equipping our members with the requisite knowledge and skills to confront the global menace of disinformation, fake news, and information warfare,” he said.
