NDLEA wants traditional leaders to step up fight against drug abuse

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has appealed to Nigeria’s traditional leaders to step up their fight against drug abuse and illegal drug plantations. He was on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II at his palace in Benin City.

Marwa said he was in Edo State to review the activities of the NDLEA State Command. However, he explained that drug abuse was one of the most critical issues facing the nation and needs a collective effort from all sectors.

Collective Effort

“Over fifteen million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse which is three times higher than the world average,” he said. “It cannot be solved through policing. All our traditional leaders must step up. We need collective effort from religious institutions, civil society organisations, government agencies and the media.”

The chairman stressed that traditional leaders should come forward and lead the fight on drug abuse in their communities. He said traditional leaders have a high level of respect and influence in their communities. “Without their involvement, we will not be able to discourage people from using drugs.

Alternative Development

Marwa also explained that the NDLEA also has an Alternative Development Programme to encourage communities involved in growing cannabis plants to grow legal crops. He said farmers are encouraged to grow legal crops like cassava, yam and maize.

Marwa said approximately 75 per cent of the over 16 million Kilograms of various illegal drugs confiscated by the agency in the last six years was cannabis. He said Edo State is one of the states where cannabis is grown.

He also said some farmers have appreciated the development as whilst they may earn more money from cannabis, they feel more at ease growing legal crops. He said this initiative is the first of its kind in Africa and has been praised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Federal Government as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Support from Royal Family

Oba Ewuare II praised the NDLEA for their ongoing fight against illegal drugs. He also said he would provide his personal guidance and support to Marwa. He reiterated how important traditional leaders are in safeguarding youths and communities from drug abuse and trafficking.

Earlier, Marwa visited the Edo State Government House and appointed the Governor Monday Okpebholo as the Grand Patron of the World Against Drugs and Substance Abuse for the NDLEA. He praised the state government for their dedication to ensuring drug abuse is prevented.

Source:leadership.ng

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