The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd), has revealed that the agency has developed a new model aimed at discouraging communities from engaging in the illicit cultivation of cannabis.
Marwa explained that the initiative, known as the Alternative Development Project, is designed to bring an end to the long-standing confrontation between law enforcement agencies and illegal drug producers.
He stressed, however, that participation in the programme is strictly for communities that are genuinely committed to abandoning illicit drug cultivation.
The NDLEA boss made this known during a town hall meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where the Alternative Development Pilot Project was officially launched.
According to him, the initiative seeks to provide sustainable livelihood options for drug producers, improve food security, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event attracted wide participation, both physically and virtually, from national stakeholders and international partners. Marwa emphasised that the concept of alternative development focuses on 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.”
Also speaking at the event, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urged young people to shun drug abuse and embrace the alternative opportunities offered by the NDLEA. He commended Marwa for selecting Ondo State as the starting point for the pilot programme.
The governor said, “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.”
On behalf of traditional institutions in the state, the Chairman of the Ondo State Traditional Rulers Council and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, also pledged support for the initiative.
Commending Marwa for repositioning the NDLEA as a performance-driven agency, the monarch urged young people to embrace the programme, noting that the consequences of cannabis cultivation and other drug-related activities were too severe to ignore.
He 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.”
