Ondo govt, NDLEA launch alternative devt pilot project

In a decisive effort to curb illicit drug cultivation and its social consequences, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the Ondo state government, is set to launch an Alternative Development (AD) Pilot Project in the state.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who disclosed this during a town hall meeting in Akure, the state capital, said the initiative is designed to provide sustainable and lawful livelihoods for communities involved in cannabis farming.

Marwa explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to replace conflict with opportunity while promoting economic empowerment and community security.

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According to him, the programme is also designed to replace the long-standing conflict between law enforcement and illicit crop producers with cooperation and opportunity.

He emphasised the link between drug trafficking and national insecurity, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and terrorism, noting that the illicit drug trade fuels crime while leaving local communities impoverished.

He said, “This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a community-centred approach to tackling the challenges of illicit drugs and environmental degradation. We are not here to talk at you. We are here to talk with you.

“Alternative development is about empowerment as an alternative to enforcement. Illicit drugs generate significant profits, but these rarely benefit cultivating communities, leaving them with poverty, degraded land, and insecurity.

“Through this programme, we will provide alternatives such as Artemisia Annua, a cash and food crop with medicinal properties, including malaria treatment.”

Marwa said the pilot initiative, which currently covers three pioneering communities in Ondo state, is set to expand nationwide based on federal assessment and recommendations.

He said the project combines law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable agricultural alternatives, marking a new model for addressing illicit drug cultivation in Nigeria.

The NDLEA boss reiterated the importance of community ownership and said, “We call on traditional leaders, religious bodies, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders to actively participate.

“This is about building long-term sustainability, ensuring that communities move from illicit cropping to food security and legal income generation.”

Speaking, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailed the NDLEA for initiating the pilot project, describing it as a strategic approach to addressing drug-related challenges in Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa pledged full support from the state government, including the provision of land, agricultural inputs, and technical assistance, to ensure the successful transition of communities from illicit crop cultivation to sustainable and lawful livelihoods.

The governor urged youths across the state to reject drug abuse and take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme.

He emphasised that embracing lawful livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and innovation would not only secure their future but also contribute to the overall development and security of their communities.

“We will continue to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organisations, community leaders, and the private sector to expand awareness, promote prevention, and support rehabilitation and reintegration for affected individuals.

“As a youth, you have a great future ahead of you, and to fulfil your potential, you must say no to drugs. Embrace hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and become ambassadors of positive change in our community,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of traditional institutions, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, pledged strong support for the project, urging youths to fully participate in the programme.

“We urge our youths to key into this programme. There is no alternative to it because we know the consequences of cannabis cultivation. Let me assure the NDLEA of our full support and partnership in this initiative,” the monarch said

The launch brought together a wide range of national and international stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development (Berlin, Germany), and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Attendance also includes senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth representatives.