The traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, have joined the campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, pledging support for efforts to tackle the menace in the state.

The advocacy drive, led by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), seeks to strengthen public awareness and mobilise traditional institutions, government officials and communities against substance abuse.

The governor made the pledge while receiving Marwa and his delegation at the Government House in Benin City on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy visit.

Okpebholo described illicit drugs as a major contributor to criminal activities, including kidnapping, and called for collective action to address substance abuse and drug trafficking.

He commended NDLEA personnel in Edo for their operations and assured the agency of his administration’s cooperation and support.

The governor was subsequently decorated as a WADA Grand Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to the anti-drug campaign.

Marwa, in his remarks, said the visit was partly aimed at securing the state’s support for the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Programme, which encourages cannabis farmers to abandon illicit cultivation in favour of legitimate agricultural activities.

He explained that the initiative would support farmers in switching to crops such as cassava, yam and maize, with assistance from government in the form of farm inputs and community infrastructure, including roads, schools, clinics and water facilities.

According to Marwa, the programme’s pilot phase was launched in Ondo State in January 2026 and would be extended to Edo following encouraging results.

At the palace of the Oba of Benin, Marwa sought the monarch’s support in persuading communities across the kingdom to shun cannabis cultivation and illicit drug trading.

He described drug abuse as one of Nigeria’s major challenges, claiming that more than 15 million Nigerians abuse drugs, a prevalence rate approximately three times the global average.

The NDLEA chairman also disclosed that the agency arrested more than 1,200 suspected drug traffickers and seized over 30 tonnes of illicit substances in Edo State in 2025.

He added that cannabis accounted for 75 per cent of the 16 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances seized nationwide by the agency over five years.

Marwa emphasised that the fight against drug abuse required the involvement of traditional rulers, religious organisations, civil society groups, government institutions and the media.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II commended the NDLEA for its efforts to rid society of illicit drugs and acknowledged the Benin Kingdom’s role in tackling drug abuse and other social problems.

The monarch said he had recommendations for improving the agency’s operations, which he intended to submit directly to Marwa in writing.

As part of the advocacy campaign, Marwa also met with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Edo State, led by Comrade Saturday Oamen.

He urged transport union members to use their networks to educate drivers and other members about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking, particularly in motor parks and surrounding communities.

The NDLEA chairman was also scheduled to meet religious and civil society leaders on Thursday, November 5, as part of efforts to broaden community participation in the campaign.