On November 4, 2026, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, expressed their support for the national campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The campaign, led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), aims to address the root causes of crime and promote a drug-free society. Okpebholo stated that the fight against drugs must be a collective effort, citing that narcotics are at the root of most crimes.
During a courtesy visit to Government House, Okpebholo commended Marwa for his efforts in the fight against drugs and promised the state government's backing. He noted that even kidnappers often ask their victims for drugs before demanding ransom, highlighting the critical role of illicit drugs in various crimes. Marwa praised Okpebholo for his developmental strides and firm stance against illicit drugs. He introduced the NDLEA's Alternative Development Programme, designed to wean cannabis growers off illicit cropping and onto legitimate crops and sustainable livelihoods.
The Alternative Development Programme, launched in January in Ondo State, has produced impressive results, prompting its extension to Edo. Marwa sought Okpebholo's buy-in and requested more logistics support for NDLEA operations in the state. As a symbol of his commitment, Okpebholo was decorated as a WADA Grand Ambassador. Marwa and his team later visited the Oba of Benin, who described drug abuse as one of the three leading problems facing Nigeria today, with over 15 million Nigerians affected.
The Oba of Benin noted that drug abuse has spread into schools and communities across the country, including the Benin Kingdom. Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA arrested over 1,200 drug traffickers and seized more than 30 tonnes of illicit substances in Edo last year. He emphasized that the problem of drug abuse requires a whole-of-society approach, involving traditional institutions, the church, civil society organizations, government, and the media.
Marwa stressed the crucial role of traditional institutions in the fight against drug abuse, citing their unparalleled respect and influence. He acknowledged the Oba's support in the fight against drugs and other social ills, noting that the monarch's intervention had helped reduce human trafficking in the kingdom. Marwa sought the Oba's blessing for communities across the kingdom to abstain from drug cultivation and trading.
As part of the Edo campaign, Marwa met with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, urging them to sensitize members and followers against drug abuse and trafficking. He also plans to address religious and civil society leaders to garner more support for the campaign. The NDLEA's efforts aim to address the prevalence of drug abuse, which is about three times the global average.
The collaboration between the Edo State government, traditional institutions, and the NDLEA is expected to yield positive results in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The Alternative Development Programme offers a sustainable solution for cannabis growers, encouraging them to switch to legitimate crops such as cassava, yam, and maize. The program has received endorsement from the Federal Government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Key points
- Edo State Governor Okpebholo and Oba of Benin Ewuare II pledge support for NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse advocacy.
- The NDLEA's Alternative Development Programme aims to wean cannabis growers off illicit cropping and onto legitimate crops and sustainable livelihoods.
- Over 15 million Nigerians are affected by drug abuse, with Edo State being one of the major producers of cannabis.
