The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has provided clarification regarding its choice to involve the controversial artist Azeez Fashola, commonly recognized as Naira Marley, in its campaign against drug abuse. According to Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the agency, the deliberate inclusion of Naira Marley is intended to tackle the problem of drug abuse among young people.
This decision has generated debate and criticism due to Naira Marley’s previous associations with promoting drug abuse, leading to discussions about the efficacy of this advocacy approach.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Babafemi said, “It is an advocacy engagement with him.
“It is what we do as part of the responsibilities of the agency to promote advocacy messages that would discourage people from substance abuse. It is about the message”
“Don’t forget that he has a lot of young followers— Marlians— that look up to him”
“The idea is for the leader of the movement (Marlians) to come out and ask people to stop substance abuse, and live a new life.”
The spokesperson for the drug agency also emphasized that employing Marley as an advocate doesn’t imply that the agency would refrain from arresting him if he were found in possession of illicit substances.
He said, “Last year, we arrested some of his artistes (Zinoleesky and Mohbad).
“That is to show that we are not closing our eyes.
“If the same Naira Marley is caught with illicit substances tomorrow, he will face sanctions.”
Babafemi suggested that critics should concentrate on the message rather than fixating on the messenger.
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