Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), has disclosed that the agency has designed a model that will dissuade communities from engaging in illicit cultivation of cannabis.

While stressing that the introduction of the Alternative Development Project in Nigeria will end the age-long battle between law enforcement and illicit drug producers, Marwa stated that

The offer is only for communities willing and sincere about putting an end to the menace.

The NDLEA boss, who stressed this during a town hall meeting in Akure, the state capital, where he launched the Alternative Development Pilot Project in Nigeria, maintained that the move will offer drug producers sustainable livelihoods that will ensure food security in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

With the event attracting both physical and virtual participation from national stakeholders and international partners, Marwa noted that alternative development is about empowerment rather than enforcement.

He said: “This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a friendly, community-centred approach to tackle the challenges of illicit drugs and related environmental crimes. We are not here to talk at you. We are here to talk with you.

“From this engagement, we look forward to sustainable commitments that will lead to a permanent exit from the world of illicit drugs. We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking and criminalities, Boko Haram, banditry, terrorism, etc. They use drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities and sell drugs to raise funds.

“We will promote inclusivity by ensuring that illicit croppers, vulnerable individuals, and all community stakeholders are active participants in this implementation; we want to ensure project ownership because this initiative belongs to you, the people, as well as ensuring its long-term sustainability.”

On his part, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who charged the youth to eschew drug abuse and embrace the alternative approach being presented by NDLEA, lauded Marwa for kickstarting the pilot scheme in Ondo State.

“For us, we are ready to allocate land, do clearing and provide seed and seedlings to support this initiative. As the pillar of growth and development in society, we shall continue to promote your interests as youth and champion your welfare.

“As youth, you have a great future ahead of you, and for you to fulfil your potential and attain your desired goal, you must say no to drugs. You must avail yourselves of the various intervention programmes of government at all levels and embrace hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and become ambassadors of positive change in our communities.”

Speaking on behalf of traditional institutions in the state, the Chairman of the Ondo State Traditional Rulers Council and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, expressed support for the initiative.

The monarch, who commended the NDLEA boss for transforming the agency into a result-oriented organisation, stated that “we urge our youths to key into this programme. There’s no alternative to it, because we know the consequences of cannabis cultivation and all other drugs.” (The Guardian)