By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The ongoing campaign by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Edo State has received a major boost following endorsements from Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
The prominent leaders affirmed their dedication to the cause on Wednesday during separate meetings with NDLEA Chairman/CEO, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, as part of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy tour in Benin City.
Receiving the NDLEA delegation at the Government House, Okpebholo described illicit drugs as a major driver of criminal activities, including kidnapping, and called for collective action against the menace.
“At the root of virtually every crime is the issue of drugs. From our experience, even kidnappers first ask their victims for drugs before demanding ransom. That shows that illicit drug is our enemy,” he said.
He commended the NDLEA command in Edo and pledged his administration’s backing for its operations.
“We are ready to work with you, we are ready to partner with you, and we are ready to support you with any request you bring before us. Your officers and men in Edo are doing excellent work,” he said.
Okphebholo was subsequently decorated as a Grand Ambassador of the War Against Drug Abuse campaign in recognition of his commitment to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
At the palace, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, also welcomed the NDLEA’s campaign and acknowledged the kingdom’s efforts to confront drug abuse and other social problems.
Thank you very much for recognising the work of Benin, the people and the culture of the people, and also the efforts we have been making to fight the scourge of drug abuse,” the monarch said.
He disclosed that he had suggestions for improving the agency’s operations, which he would forward directly to Marwa in writing.
Speaking during the engagements, Marwa disclosed that the agency arrested more than 1,200 drug traffickers and seized over 30 tonnes of illicit substances in Edo in 2025.
According to him , Edo state remained among the states involved in cannabis cultivation, adding that cannabis accounted for 75 per cent of the 16 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances seized nationwide in the last five years.
Marwa also put the number of Nigerians abusing drugs at over 15 million, representing a prevalence rate about three times the global average.
The NDLEA chairman stated that the agency was extending its Alternative Development Programme to Edo to encourage cannabis growers to switch to legal crops and sustainable livelihoods.
Under the initiative, farmers would receive support to cultivate cassava, yam and maize, alongside assistance with farm inputs and community infrastructure such as roads, schools, clinics and water supply.
“The initiative offers farmers an opportunity to leave illicit cultivation without losing access to livelihoods,” he noted.
“The growers themselves have confided in us that they are grateful for this initiative. Even though there is more money in cannabis, they will at least have peace of mind when they cultivate licit crops,” he added.
He charged traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups, government and the media to take active roles in tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
As part of the advocacy, Marwa also met with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Edo, led by Comrade Saturday Oamen, urging them to sensitise their members and help keep motor parks and communities free of illicit drugs.
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