Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, have declared full support for NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) as Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) took the advocacy to Benin City on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. At Government House, Okpebholo said drug abuse is at the root of most crimes including kidnapping and pledged partnership, saying “We are ready to work with you, we are ready to partner with you.” Marwa commended his developmental strides and decorated him as WADA Grand Ambassador, while seeking support for NDLEA’s Alternative Development Programme to transition cannabis growers to licit crops.
Marwa said the programme, first in Africa and endorsed by UNODC and the Federal Government, has shown impressive results since its January pilot in Ondo State. He disclosed that NDLEA arrested over 1,200 traffickers and seized 30 tons of illicit substances in Edo last year, noting that 75% of 16 million kilograms seized nationwide in five years was locally cultivated cannabis. The scheme offers growers support to cultivate cassava, yam and maize with farm inputs and infrastructure such as roads, schools, clinics and water.
At the Palace, Marwa said over 15 million Nigerians abuse drugs, about three times the global average, and described it as one of Nigeria’s three major problems, soliciting the monarch’s blessing for communities to shun drug cultivation. Oba Ewuare II thanked Marwa for recognising Benin’s efforts and promised written suggestions to improve NDLEA operations. Marwa also engaged NURTW leaders led by Comrade Saturday Oamen to sensitise drivers and keep parks free of illicit drugs.
