The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Imo Command, has commended retired Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN), Chief Philip Ihechu, for projecting the image of the agency positively and serving the country well.
The Deputy State Commander, NDLEA, Imo, Mr Maurice Ogbonna, gave the commendation during a ceremony organised in honour of Ihechu on Tuesday in Owerri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ihechu, a lawyer, joined the NDLEA in 1997 as a Legal Officer in the Prosecution Department, rising to the rank of ACN.
Ogbonna praised Ihechu for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to fighting illicit drugs in Nigeria, describing him as a true patriot, who gave his all to the service of the nation.
He described Ihechu as a shining example of what it means to serve with integrity, passion, and dedication.
“Philip Ihechu is an inspiration to all other colleagues at the NDLEA.
“He contributed immensely to the legal department of the agency, and his legacy would be remembered for years to come.
“He is leaving a mark, shoes very big for people he left behind to fit into.
“I’m also proud to call him my elder brother because I have known him for about 27 years.
“I wish him the very best in his endeavours,” Ogbonna said.
In his remarks, Ihechu said he was fulfilled to have had the opportunity to serve the country.
He commended the NDLEA for providing him the platform to serve the nation.
Ihechu also thanked God for preserving his life to see his retirement day from the civil service.
“I feel so elated, so happy today and I thank God for His goodness on my life and family.
“I also thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria and officers of the NDLEA,” he said.
Advising his former colleagues, Ihechu said: “ Do your job with dedication, in spite all or any obstacle.
“ I urge you to be loyal , conscientious, committed to the country, NDLEA and your superiors.
“ Also, do your job with a human face because we deal with humans.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the NDLEA and the nation. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I am confident that the NDLEA will continue to grow.’’
Ihechu also urged for more funding for the NDLEA to improve the output of their job.
“ It is tough out their curbing the menace of illicit drugs, trafficking and drug abuse.
“ There is every need to adequately fund the agency and equip it with the tools and infrastructure necessary to curtail the high demand for, consumption of and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
“ I once again thank God for his mercies, wisdom, guidance and protection,’’ Ihechu said.
NAN reports that Ihechu hails from Umuezeala Owerri in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo.
He attended Community Secondary School, Umunumo; Federal School of Arts and Science, Suleja, where got his Higher School Certificate.
He later proceeded to India where he obtained degrees in Political Science and Law.
Ihechu was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995.
Having reached the statutory retirement age of 60 years, he bows out of service meritoriously. (NAN
