NDLEA BOSS VISITS OBA OF BENIN, SEEKS ROYAL BLESSING TO END DRUG MENACE IN EDO STATE.

NDLEA BOSS VISITS OBA OF BENIN, SEEKS ROYAL BLESSING TO END DRUG MENACE IN EDO STATE.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, at his palace in Benin City.

The visit was part of his official tour of the Edo State Command of the Agency, and to seek the royal blessings and collaboration of the revered monarch in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Edo State.

Before delivering his address, the NDLEA boss showered glowing praises on the Oba of Benin and the great Benin Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as a custodian of history, culture and civilisation. He acknowledged the global significance of the Benin artifacts, noting that the Kingdom’s rich heritage remains a source of pride to Nigeria and the entire black race.

Gen. Marwa said the NDLEA is determined to rid Edo State of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis, and disclosed that the Agency has developed a new strategy to discourage its cultivation. According to him, the strategy is to help cannabis farmers abandon the illegal crop and embrace the cultivation of legitimate, more profitable crops that will improve their livelihoods without breaking the law.

In his response, the Oba of Benin expressed delight at the visit and commended the NDLEA for its renewed vigour in the fight against drugs. The monarch revealed that the Benin Kingdom has made significant efforts to recover its stolen artifacts from across the world, adding that the Kingdom will be receiving 40 artifacts in Lagos tomorrow. He described the return of the artifacts as a major victory for the Benin people and a restoration of their stolen heritage.

Oba Ewuare II assured the NDLEA boss of his full support and readiness to work with the Agency to combat drug abuse in Edo State. He disclosed that he has a personal strategy to fight the drug menace, which he will forward to the NDLEA leadership, but declined to disclose it in public. “I have a strategy which I will send to the NDLEA to fight against drugs, but I don’t want to disclose it in public,” the Oba said.

In a colourful climax to the visit, the NDLEA Chairman presented a plaque of recognition to the Oba of Benin in appreciation for leading the fight against drug trafficking. The plaque was in recognition of his contributions to peace, culture and national development, and his support for the anti drug campaign.

The visit ended with prayers and royal blessings from the Oba for the NDLEA and its leadership in their mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.