Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (Rtd) has called for stronger synergy among stakeholders to effectively tackle illicit drug cultivation and promote licit cropping as a means of enhancing food security across the country.
Marwa made the call on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the launch of the Alternative Development Project under the Drug Control Initiative.
The town hall meeting, brought together community and traditional rulers, government representatives, leadership of the nation’s drug enforcement agency, and other key stakeholders, to discourage illicit drug cultivation while promoting lawful and sustainable means of livelihood.
Ondo State was selected as the pilot state for the launch of the Alternative Development Project under the Drug Control Initiative.
Speaking at the event, Brigadier-General Marwa (Rtd), said the agency is encouraging massive cash crop production by providing communities and stakeholders with viable agricultural alternatives to cannabis cultivation.
Marwa explained that the agency is shifting its approach from strict enforcement to empowerment.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assured that his administration would support the NDLEA by providing land and seedlings to ensure the success of the initiative, aimed at stemming the tide of drug abuse in the state.
The NDLEA noted that the project would be extended to other parts of the country as part of the agency’s broader drug control strategy.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
