AADARAI Bayelsa Chapter Pays Courtesy Visit to Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.
By Sulaiman Hussaini
Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
June 19, 2025
Yenagoa–A high-powered delegation from the Bayelsa State Chapter of Advocacy Against Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Awareness Initiative (AADARAI) paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), at his office in Yenagoa.
The meeting, held on Thursday, was both impressive and productive, as it provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on the pressing issue of drug abuse and rehabilitation in the state.
In his opening remarks, the State Coordinator of AADARAI, Dr. Emmanuel Adu, conveyed warm felicitations from the National Coordinator Hon. Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu to the revered monarch. He elaborated on the vision and mission of AADARAI, which focuses on reducing drug abuse through strategic planning, advocacy, education, and community-driven initiatives. Dr. Adu emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing the growing challenge of drug addiction and the need for rehabilitation awareness across the state.
In his response, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo commended the initiative and expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in drug abuse, which he described as having “eaten deep into the fabric of society.” Demonstrating a profound understanding of the issue, the monarch urged AADARAI to adopt more diagnostic and preventive approaches to the fight against drug abuse.
Drawing an insightful analogy, the monarch compared the current strategies to mopping a wet floor while ignoring the leaking roof. He noted that without addressing the root causes of drug abuse, efforts to curb its effects would remain largely ineffective. He assured the delegation of the full support and collaboration of the Traditional Rulers Council in AADARAI’s mission to combat this societal menace.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Adu expressed gratitude to the monarch for his warm reception, wise counsel, and encouragement. He pledged that the organization would remain resolute in fulfilling its mandate and assured the monarch that his valuable insights would be conveyed to the National Coordinator for consideration and necessary action.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between traditional institutions and civil society organizations in the collective effort to combat drug abuse in Bayelsa State.
