NDLEA partners with Ondo to end cannabis cultivation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has sought the collaboration with the Ondo State Government and the communities where cannabis sativa, also known as indian hemp, were being grown in the state, on the Alternative Development Project of the agency, in ending cannabis-related business.

According to the agency, the Alternative Development project is an initiative of the NDLEA that provides an opportunity for engagement between the agency and communities involved in illicit cannabis cultivation, encouraging them to move away from illicit cultivation and adopt legitimate crop cultivation.

The chairman of the Federal Government-owned agency, Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), at the launch of the pilot of the Alternative Development Project held in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, explained that the introduction of ADP in Nigeria would end age-long battle between law enforcement and illicit drug producers

Marwa, who held a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the state, also stated that the project would offer those in the illicit drug business sustainable livelihoods that would ensure food security, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a friendly, community-centered 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 are here to build a robust community network to support the Alternative Development Project; to locate and establish alternatives to illicit cropping; we want to establish, with your cooperation, structures for sustainable livelihoods, ensuring a smooth transition from illicit cropping to food security, in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

“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

Marwa further explained that the agency’s plan was to expand the project nationwide, but the pilot would be launched in three pioneering communities in the state.

In his remarks, the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the project was a welcome development and expressed appreciation to Marwa for starting the pilot scheme in the state while declaring full support for the initiative.

The governor stated, ” I wish to use this opportunity to assure the NDLEA of the continued support and cooperation of the Ondo State government under my leadership towards stemming the tide of drug abuse here in Ondo State and in Nigeria at large.

“We will continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders like yours, just as you have mentioned that it is time to dialogue and to collaborate.”

The chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo kingdom, Oba Ajibade Okunoye, in his contribution, expressed the traditional rulers’ readiness to give full support to the project.

“Traditional rulers in Ondo state are ready to partner with NDLEA in the fight against illicit drugs. We thank God that it is during Brig. Gen. Marwa’s reign that the NDLEA woke up to its responsibility. If not for the NDLEA, the effects of drugs in our society would have been too much. I want to appeal to our youths to key into this programme,” Olowo said.