TheCable

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has donated 25 operational vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to boost its operations across Nigeria.

The donation to the agency is drawn from the ASR Africa security sector support grant, which is a security intervention initiative targeted at providing critical assistance to the agency to boost its operational reach and capacity.

ASR Africa had earlier announced the support grant for the armed forces and other security agencies as its aid for security operations across the country.

Beneficiaries of the grant include NDLEA; Nigerian navy; air force; army; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Nigerian Customs Service; Nigerian Immigration Service; Department of Secret Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

On Monday, the documents and keys of the vehicles were presented by Ubon Udoh, managing director of ASR Africa, to Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman.

Udoh said Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group and ASR Africa, is “very passionate” about giving back to the society and has created the initiative to uplift and restore the dignity and lives of Africans.

Udoh thanked the NDLEA for its support in ensuring the speedy realisation of the project, adding that the operational vehicles would assist the agency in the fulfillment of its mandate in the war against drug-related crimes in Nigeria.

“We are very pleased to be here. I want to start by appreciating you and your team for all the collaborations to make this day a reality,” he said.

“This is a testament to your tenacity and will to ensure this handover happens within a short time.

“I want to thank you all for the work you do. This agency has made a very giant stride under your leadership and this is a testament to the quality of your team.

“On behalf of Abdul Samad Rabiu, we are presenting you 25 operational vehicles to aid the work your do and I can assure you on his behalf that this is just the beginning of better things to come.”

On his part, Marwa appreciated the foundation for the support and redeeming the pledge.

He also promised full utilisation of the vehicles.