NDLEA Boss Takes Drug Advocacy to Edo State

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking has received a major boost, with Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare the Second, declaring their full support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s campaign.

The commitment was made during the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa’s advocacy visit to Benin City, where Governor Okpebholo pledged his administration’s partnership and support for the agency, describing illicit drugs as a major driver of criminal activities.

The governor was subsequently decorated as a WADA Grand Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to the anti-drug campaign.

At the palace of the Oba of Benin, Marwa called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders, warning that over 15 million Nigerians are battling drug abuse. The agency is also expanding its Alternative Development Programme to encourage cannabis farmers to embrace legitimate crops such as cassava, yam and maize, with government support.