The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has charged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to explore the medical potentials of cannabis, also known as Marijuana.
The traditional head of the Benin Kingdom gave the charge on Thursday, when the Edo Sector Commander of NDLEA, Alumona Obioma, and his management team paid him a visit at his palace.
Addressing the agency officials, Ewuare II urged them to carry out research on the active ingredients in Marijuana.
The Oba emphasized that the research should aim to uncover the potential breakthroughs in disease treatment and other medical applications of the weed. He, therefore, urged NDLEAD to leverage the medicinal properties of cannabis as utilized in other countries, including Israel.
Ewuare II also recommended that NDLEA and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, should prioritize research and development to combat drug crimes. He, therefore, urged them to draw inspiration from countries like Israel and the United States towards combating drug related crimes in the country.
He said, “By focusing on research and development, these agencies would uncover new ways to address drug-related issues. And improve their effectiveness in fighting drug crimes.”
The Oba, however, frowned at the unauthorized sale of prohibited drugs in medicine stores, pharmaceutical companies, and other drug cartels in Nigeria.
The Traditional Ruler, therefore, pledged to leverage his diplomatic experience to lead advocacy against drug crimes in Benin ancient kingdom. He also promised traditional institutions’ support for NDLEA.
He said, “In Israel, they study cannabis for medical use. I’m unsure if Nigeria’s health sector has developed this.
“You may wish to explore this proposal for medical use, as it can cure many things, according to the Israelis.”
Speaking earlier at the palace, the NDLEA boss commended the Oba Ewuare II for his timely interventions. He, therefore, requested his prayers for the agency’s personnel to achieve their mandate in the State.
Obioma, however, expressed concern over the deplorable road network in the State. He also noted the logistics challenges hindering NDLEA operatives in their fight against drug crimes.
He said, “These challenges ultimately contribute to social vices, like addiction, internet fraud, cultism, and violent crimes.
“We must bring our youths back. Our parents taught us well, but these ones seem untutored.
“It’s our collective duty to inform our people about the dangers of drug crimes.
“Between March and now, five drug users have undergone rehabilitation.
“Our major problem is poor mobility due to difficult terrain and the lack of suitable vehicles.”
source: NAN
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