The Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, CON, has expressed strong admiration for the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation over its persistent grassroots campaign against drug abuse, describing the group’s efforts as a major contribution to national development and youth rescue.
Speaking at his palace on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by the Foundation’s leadership, Oba Makama said the group had “consistently outperformed expectations” through bold and structured community engagements across South-West states.
He noted that its outreach programs had filled the gap in drug prevention advocacy, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
“I must confess that the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation has gone beyond what many of us imagined.”
“Their commitment to sanitizing our communities from the scourge of drug abuse is impressive, and I believe they are doing what even government agencies sometimes struggle to sustain,” the monarch said.
The royal father called on the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to recognize the Foundation as a critical ally in the nationwide fight against substance misuse.
He stressed that a formal partnership between the NDLEA and the Foundation would strengthen the ongoing advocacy and amplify its reach.
“This is a call to General Buba Marwa, support this Foundation. They are working day and night to fulfill the very mandate your agency carries. Give them the tools, the platform, the recognition. With more resources and a firm backing, they will deliver results on a national scale,” Oba Makama declared.
Oba Makama stressed that the Foundation’s collaboration with NDLEA state commands has already shown success, citing increased awareness in local communities and the reduction of drug-related behavior among vulnerable youth.
He also emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders including government institutions, private donors, and traditional leaders to rally behind trusted non-governmental organizations that are working to restore values, dignity, and direction among Nigerian youth.
During the visit, the Foundation formally conferred on Oba Makama the title of Royal Grand Patron, accompanied by a commemorative award. The presentation was made in recognition of his leadership, public service, and moral support toward the Foundation’s goals.
Part of the award message read, “Your Majesty’s dedication to the advancement of our people and your tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and development have not gone unnoticed. Your exemplary leadership has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all.”
Receiving the award, the monarch expressed gratitude and pledged to continue lending his voice and influence to the cause.
The courtesy visit was led by the Foundation’s President, Alhaji Asiwaju Dapo Wahab, who was accompanied by key figures including Mrs Elizabeth Eweje (Coordinator), Alhaja Mutiat Olafunni Rabiu, Mr Olalekan Ayobami Ebun Oro, and Mr Adejola Adeyemi, the Foundation’s Public Relations Officer and founder of Tropic Reporters.
