Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jun 2008
Source: Tide, The (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2008 The Tide
Contact:  http://www.thetidenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3973
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

NDLEA URGES EXTENSION WORKERS TO JOIN ANTI-DRUG  CAMPAIGN

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has advocated  the 
deployment of agricultural extension workers to the  FCT area 
councils, to assist in the campaign against  the cultivation of Indian hemp.

Malam Hamza Dayi, the NDLEA area commander, Abuja  Airport, who made 
the call in an interview in  Gwagwalada, FCT, said the measure was 
the only solution  to the problem.

Dayi said the recent discovery of some Indian hemp  farms in FCT was 
alarming, and called for a proactive  approach to prevent its 
replication in some  neighbouring states.

He noted that the status of the FCT had attracted  unemployed youths 
from all parts of the country, to  settle in the villages.

He said they were taking advantage of secured forests  for the 
cultivation of Indian hemp.

"Also, the low market price of agricultural products,  compared to 
illicit drugs, has encouraged a shift to  cannabis cultivation," Dayi said.

According to him, about 70 per cent of the population  of the six 
area councils are peasant farmers.

"This makes it imperative for a massive enlightenment,  guidance and 
counselling and preventive education  against illicit drug planting 
and consumption in  schools," he said.

He suggested the mobilisation of bank loans for  farmers, to enable 
them concentrate on food and cash  crop production.

He urged the banks to support cassava production, to  ensure the 
maximisation of the potentials of the crop.

The commander decried the increased rate of consumption  and planting 
of Indian hemp in Nigeria, especially  among the youth.

The development, he said, had a negative impact on 
the  socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

He appealed to the private sector, civil society  organisations and 
NGOs to support government campaign  against the planting, selling 
and consumption of Indian  hemp in the country.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom