Lagos, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos Strategic Command, has bid farewell to its Commander of Narcotics, Chinyerem Eziaghighala, following her retirement after 35 years of distinguished service in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Eziaghighala, who served as Deputy Commander in charge of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, was celebrated at a retirement ceremony held on Sunday in Lagos, where colleagues, public officials, friends and family paid glowing tributes to her impactful career.
Speakers at the event described her as a dedicated officer whose contributions significantly strengthened the agency’s rehabilitation and anti-drug initiatives. The Commander, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the NDLEA, Muhammad Tukur, who represented the Lagos Strategic Commander, Abubakar Wali, commended her unwavering commitment and professionalism.
He noted that her legacy of excellence would continue to inspire future officers in the agency. “Eziaghighala is known for excellence. Her dedication is a source of inspiration. What you are doing is a service to humanity, and I urge you to continue even after retirement to save lives,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy State Commander, Lagos Strategic Command, Oladosu Bashir, described the retiree as a “counsellor” whose work in treatment, rehabilitation and support services left a lasting impact on the command.
Her husband, Ven. Dr Josiah Eziaghighala, an Anglican priest in Aguda, Surulere, expressed appreciation to the NDLEA for its support to the family over the years. He stressed that drug abuse has become a societal challenge requiring collective action beyond the agency alone.
He also highlighted his wife’s dedication to both her career and family life over their 31 years of marriage, pledging continued support for her post-retirement engagements.
In his remarks, a church leader, Mr Ben Duru, praised Eziaghighala’s commitment to service both in the church and society, describing her as “a blessing to humanity” and encouraging her to devote more time to spiritual work.
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Responding, Eziaghighala expressed gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill, describing her years in service as fulfilling. She referred to retirement as “a sweet thing,” while reaffirming her commitment to continue advocating against drug abuse.
The ceremony ended with tributes and prayers for a rewarding retirement, as attendees celebrated her legacy as a frontline advocate in Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
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