“Whenever I was upset by something in the papers,” Jackie once recalled, “[Jack] always told me to be more tolerant, like a horse flick- ing away flies in the summer.” But Jackie’s dislike of the press would never subside; journalists covering her would always be adversaries who approached their work as a zero-sum game. “Mors tua vita mea est,” she said to Cassini, explaining her view of their attitude: “You death is my life.” To some extent her animus was inbred. When the Kennedys invited journalists to Jack and Jackie’s wedding in 1953 Jackie’s mother, Janet Auchincloss, told Rose Kennedy that publicit would be “demeaning and vulgar.”
Grace & Power
SALLY BEDELL SMITH.

This quotation from the book Grace and Power penned by Sally Bedell Smith, offers a succinct explanation about the a level of distrust that exists between some government officials and the media.

But the Chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa is one of the few government executives that has nothing hidden under any cupboard that he is afraid that the journalists will expose.

The media and/or Public Relations department of the NDLEA under his management is staffed by some of the finest professionals just as the Executive Chairman runs an open leadership.

This is where this writer has drawn the motivation to fall back on the underlying philosophy of development journalism to celebrate a major milestone within the NDLEA which has gone so quiet without enjoying the kind of front page covers that this momentous threshold reached by the management of NDLEA should get.

We will soon know what exactly it is that is the 35 year old jinx broken by the hierarchy of NDLEA. But first, I will take the poetic licence to say a word on DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM.

Development journalism is a type of reporting and writing on topics related to the process of economic development. Its supporters define it as independent journalism that highlights news of development projects, provides critical coverage of development planning and programs, and informs readers of how the development process is affecting them. Although the concept of development journalism sounds simple, it has been highly politicized since it was first created in the 1960s. Much of the debate over development journalism has focused on the issue of press freedom, and whether or not a commitment to covering economic development from a positive and even “emancipatory” perspective is fundamentally at odds with freedom of the press.

In its early days, development journalism was linked to theories of communication and development and was thus affected by the politics of the cold war. In an era of heightened rhetoric over modernization and the best way to attain it, the United States and the Soviet Union put forth competing visions of the role of the press. During the 1980s, when many developing countries argued that the structure of the world news system left them at a disadvantage, development journalism also played a role in the struggle for a “New World Information and Communication Order” (NWICO). Although American opponents of NWICO lost interest in development journalism after the collapse of Communism, it has continued to survive as a concept in the style of “Asian values” journalism advocated by Singapore and Malaysia. There are also echoes of development journalism in some of the “community radio” projects funded by international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in less-developed countries today.
(source: Omnilogos
Janet Steele. Encyclopedia of Journalism. Editor: Christopher H Sterling. Sage Publications, 2009).

Now that we have a working knowledge of what development journalism is under which guidance this write-up finds support, let me state categorically that the reflection today is on a milestone recorded by the current hierarchy of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which we think should be celebrated in compliance with the underlying philosophy of development journalism: A school of thought that this writer, a professional journalist belongs to.

For the first time in 35 years, the Federal Government recently commissioned barracks for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa State, providing office and residential accommodation for the anti-narcotics agency’s personnel.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while commissioning the facility on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, described it as a milestone investment in human capital, emphasizing the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ensuring NDLEA officers live and work in dignity and security.
Fagbemi highlighted the critical role of the NDLEA in safeguarding Nigeria’s future by combating drug abuse and trafficking.
“The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. This barracks is more than a place of residence—it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope,” he stated.
He urged NDLEA personnel to see the investment as a call to higher responsibility, emphasizing that the rule of law requires equipping law enforcement officers with the resources they need to succeed.
“I urge officers who will call this facility home to remain steadfast in their service to our motherland. This investment is a call to unwavering dedication and commitment,” Fagbemi added.
He acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring its completion, while also appreciating Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their support.

In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), underscored the importance of the project, noting that insecure housing had exposed NDLEA personnel to danger for decades
“Tragically, several of our personnel have been trailed to their homes and murdered. This barracks is a long-overdue and crucial step to ensure their safety,” Marwa said.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting the NDLEA mandate, emphasizing that the state-of-the-art barracks reflects the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda of enhancing security and institutional capacity.
The Yola barracks, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, includes: Modern administrative offices for the Adamawa State Command, Detention facilities and a state-of-the-art exhibit room and Watchtowers and operational pavilions.
260 residential units, including 80 one-bedroom, 120 two-bedroom, and 60 three-bedroom flats
Auxiliary facilities, including a generator house, parade ground, service bay, and perimeter fencing
“This facility is a bold statement of our determination to win the fight against drug abuse and trafficking,” Marwa asserted.

In his message, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended the federal government for prioritizing NDLEA personnel’s welfare, describing the barracks as a symbol of collective resolve to protect youth from the scourge of illicit drugs.
Representing the National Security Adviser, AIG Rex Dundun praised NDLEA’s efforts and urged personnel to maintain professionalism and resilience.
“This facility reflects the government’s appreciation of your dedication to safeguarding our nation’s health and safety,” Dundun noted.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, emphasized that adequate motivation for NDLEA personnel is essential for effective service delivery.
The House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, represented by Hon. Idris Dankawu, reaffirmed their commitment to better funding and improving working conditions for the NDLEA.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including: Boss Mustapha – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Francis Fadahunsi – National Assembly member from Adamawa State, and Traditional rulers and other key stakeholders.
The commissioning marks a historic step in strengthening the NDLEA’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and protect officers tasked with securing a safer and drug-free Nigeria.

To pragmatically establish that this initiative of advancing the housing motivation of the NDLEA personnel is a central mantra of the needed motivation that serves as the enabling environment the staff of NDLEA needed to work vigourously to deliver the legal mandate of the NDLEA, we will give a key citation on how to motivate the workforce.

What Are The Top 5 Motivators For Employees?
Top 5 Work Motivators: How To Keep Employees Inspired? Motivation is a crucial element in achieving success in the workplace. Regardless of whether you’re an employer or employee, it’s essential that you know what it is that drives workers to consistently do their work to high standards and avoid burning out.

Today we’re helping employers. These five core themes are:
1. Recognition and Appreciation
Most employees crave recognition and appreciation for their contributions. While it’s easy to overlook small achievements, recognising even the small things your employees do that benefit the company can go a long way in boosting motivation levels. Encouraging team effort and recognising your staff’s individual contributions often, such as in team meetings, is essential to show that you value their efforts. It also helps boost the likelihood of your staff keeping to good habits.
This recognition could be anything from verbal praise, positive written notes, awards, promotions, and bonuses. Make them feel seen and valuable for their efforts, and realise they have a solid place in the team. Even a birthday cake and small celebration can be a way to offer more motivation at your workplace!

2. Work-Life Balance
After the Great Resignation, a rising trend became very clear: many employees seek employers who can offer them a good work life balance. This can come in the form of flexible work schedules, remote work, or unlimited paid time off.
Engaging in activities outside work is also known to increase creativity which is why more and more offices are offering monthly activities. Activities can also reduce burnout, and improve the quality of work. Team motivators here can be in the form of team-building activities, social events, or volunteer opportunities. Through some of these motivator examples, you can increase worker motivation across your organisation and strengthen your staffs’ bonds as a team.
Employers who offer supportive work-life policies, as a result, are more likely to have motivated and committed employees.

3. Meaningful and Challenging Work
Meaningful work is more than just a job; it’s a sense of purpose that drives employees’ passion and commitment to a company or organisation. The essence of meaningful work is that it promotes personal growth, positive relationships with colleagues, and job satisfaction. Providing opportunities for employees to work on projects that they find meaningful is an essential motivator for most employees.
Contrary to popular belief, easier work isn’t always the best for finding enjoyment and fulfilment. Repetitive, monotonous tasks that hardly differ everyday can be draining. However if they are put on one extreme where everything is difficult they might not be the most motivated either.
To achieve flow, the task at hand must be challenging enough for the person to be fully engaged but not too challenging for their skill set that they become stressed and frustrated.

4. Career Growth
Providing employee development opportunities, such as training, skill sharing, and coaching, can help employees acquire new skills and knowledge, leading to better performance, job satisfaction, and motivation. Understanding your employee’s professional aspirations and aligning them with available growth opportunities fosters a sense of commitment and engagement.
Key motivators for career growth can be in the form of promotions, lateral moves, or stretch assignments. In fact one in four Australian workers would take a small pay cut if another job offered a better balance between life and work, and:

5. Compensation
Compensation is undoubtedly one of the most critical work motivators for employees. While everyone wants to do something that they enjoy for work, people also work to make a living. Which is why providing fair compensation to employees is an essential way of motivating them. By knowing they can rest easy financially, they’re able to direct their mental energy and focus more on work.
From salary to benefits, bonus, or commission, employees who feel they are paid fairly are more likely to stay invested in their work. Therefore, employers must provide competitive compensation packages that reflect the market rates for similar roles to retain top talent. It’s not just an essential motivation for work, staying competitive also helps you keep your employees and reduce talent churn.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, motivating employees is about understanding what drives them. As an employer, you must create an environment with workplace motivators that cater to your employees’ needs to feel motivated and engaged at work.
(SOURCE: Gough Recruitment).

By way of our own conclusion, I want to remind my readers that in addition to setting up living quarters as has just been done by the leadership of NDLEA, the management has also set up sports and recreational facilities for the benefit of the staff members of NDLEA.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at that event had said he will continue to make the welfare of officers, men and women of the Agency his priority to ensure that they are physically and mentally fit to carry out their responsibility of curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Marwa who gave the assurance on Monday March 10, 2025 during a brief ceremony to commission a state-of-the-art fitness centre for the Agency’s personnel at its headquarters in Abuja, said his decision to build the gym reinforces his commitment to the health, strength, and overall well-being of officers , men and women of NDLEA, which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

He highlighted the significance of the facility in ensuring that officers remain physically and mentally fit to tackle the enormous responsibilities of combating the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

According to him, “the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is not just a battle of intelligence and strategy—it is also one that demands physical endurance, agility, and resilience. The nature of our work places extraordinary demands on our bodies and minds. From long hours of surveillance and enforcement operations to high-risk engagements, we must always be in top form to protect our society from the dangers of illicit drugs”

He said regular exercise must not be seen as a luxury but a necessity, adding that “a fit officer is a more effective one who can withstand stress, react swiftly in the field, and make sound decisions under pressure. Beyond operational readiness, fitness also promotes overall health, reducing the risk of lifestyle related diseases and enhancing mental sharpness.”

“This fitness centre is more than just a gym; it is an investment in our most valuable asset—our people. This is why we hope to replicate similar facilities across zonal and state commands as funds become available. Therefore, I urge every personnel of the Agency within Abuja to take full advantage of this facility. Let it not be a mere structure but a place of daily transformation, where we strengthen not only our muscles but also our resolve to serve with excellence.”

He urged officers to see the commissioning of the facility as a reminder that their work requires them to be at their best physically, mentally, and professionally. “As we commission this centre today, let it serve as a constant reminder that our work requires the best version of ourselves physically, mentally, and professionally. Together, let us continue to build an NDLEA that is strong, resilient, and ever-ready to fulfill its mandate.”

We in the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) can only say thumbs up to the NDLEA.

Emmanuel Onwubiko Writes From Abuja.