Economy
Ondo: NDLEA Launches Alternative Development Project To Replace Cannabis Farming
Ondo: NDLEA Launches Alternative Development Project To Replace Cannabis Farming
Ondo: NDLEA launches alternative development project to replace cannabis farming. Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the introduction of alternative development projects in the country will end the age-long battle between law enforcement and illicit drug producers.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said Marwa spoke in Akure, Ondo state’s capital, on Tuesday at the launch of the alternative development project.
According to Babafemi, Marwa said the initiative also offers cannabis growers sustainable livelihoods that will ensure food security in line with the renewed hope agenda.
While acknowledging that illicit drug cultivation is a significant crisis, the NDLEA chairman said there is a unique opportunity to unite and find a lasting solution to the challenge.
“This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a friendly, community-centred approach to tackle the challenges of illicit drugs and related environmental crimes. We are not here to talk at you,” he said.
“We are here to talk with you. From this engagement, we look forward to sustainable commitments that will lead to a permanent exit from the world of illicit drugs.
“We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking and criminalities, Boko Haram, banditry, terrorism, etc. They use drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities and sell drugs to raise funds.”
He said the townhall was held in Akure “to build a robust community network to support the alternative development project; to locate and establish alternatives to illicit cropping; we want to establish, with your cooperation, structures for sustainable livelihoods, ensuring a smooth transition from illicit cropping to food security in tandem with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.” ”.
“We will promote inclusivity by ensuring that illicit croppers, vulnerable individuals, and all community stakeholders are active participants in this implementation; we want to ensure project ownership, because this initiative belongs to you, the people, as well as ensure its long-term sustainability,” Marwa added.
He added the project provides the opportunity for an engagement between the NDLEA and communities involved in illicit cropping, noting that the offer is only to communities that are willing and sincere to move away from illicit cultivation of crops like cannabis and adopt cultivation of licit crops.
“There is a wide range of licit cash and food crops, such as Artemisia annua, which has a higher financial value than cannabis, in addition to other beneficial properties in the cure of malaria and other ailments,” he said.
“We want to facilitate a total shift from illicit cropping to massive food and cash crop production. We must face the hard truth: illicit drugs generate large financial profits, but this wealth rarely reflects in the communities where these drugs are grown.

NDLEA
“While the kingpins prosper elsewhere, the cultivating communities are often left with poverty, soil degradation, and insecurity. Our primary focus, therefore, is the crop substitution programme.”
He assured that alternative development will not be used as a deceptive tool to arrest or detain anyone.
Lucky Ayedatiwa, governor of Ondo, said the project is a welcome development and expressed appreciation to Marwa for starting the pilot scheme in the state while declaring full support for the initiative.
“I therefore wish to use this opportunity to assure the NDLEA of the continued support and cooperation of Ondo state government under my leadership towards stemming the tide of drug abuse here in Ondo state and in Nigeria at large,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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