The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intensified its Alternative Development initiative following a strategic visit on 21 April 2026 to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), as well as a field inspection of Artemisia annua farming in Ibafo, Ogun State.
According to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), CON, OFR, represented by his Chief of Staff, Colonel MI Aminu, alongside the Ogun State Commander, Commander Tijjani Rabe, and the National Coordinator of the Alternative Development Project, CN Jonah Kolo, PhD, the visit underscores the Agency’s commitment to practical implementation of its Alternative Development programme.
The initiative, he explained, is focused on discouraging illicit crop cultivation while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that offer farmers viable and lawful means of livelihood.
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General Marwa explained that the engagement is centered on key priorities, including helping farmers currently involved in illicit crop cultivation transition into legitimate, high-value agricultural practices. It also focuses on directing young people into organised and productive farming systems, turning research findings into practical, scalable agricultural programmes, and boosting empowerment as well as strengthening food security in vulnerable communities.
He further noted that the collaboration offers a solid framework for joint efforts between the NDLEA and FUNAAB, aimed at supporting farmer transition, empowering youths, and promoting sustainable agricultural growth. He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes, improve livelihoods, and align with national development goals.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, welcomed the initiative and commended the visit. He highlighted the university’s extensive agricultural assets, including vast expanses of arable land, noting that encouraging legal crop farming as an alternative livelihood could significantly reduce poverty and curb youths’ exposure to drug abuse.
He also stressed the importance of improving rehabilitation systems, pointing to a privately owned but underutilised rehabilitation facility close to the university. He recommended incorporating vocational and entrepreneurial training—such as fashion design, shoemaking, and other skills—into rehabilitation programmes to better support the reintegration of recovering individuals into society.
A major highlight of the visit was the attention given to Artemisia annua, a high-value medicinal plant with strong economic prospects. The NDLEA delegation also carried out a field assessment of an Artemisia farm in Ibafo, identified through collaboration with academic experts.
