The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) deliberately chose controversial rapper Naira Marley as an ambassador for their drug abuse awareness campaign. This decision has sparked discussions due to Naira Marley's past of promoting drug use. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi explained in an exclusive interview that Naira Marley's influential role as the leader of the "Marlians" movement, with a large youth following, was a key factor. The collaboration aims to use his popularity to discourage substance abuse and promote a healthier lifestyle among his followers. Babafemi acknowledged the apparent paradox but stressed that this is an advocacy effort. Despite his ambassador role, Naira Marley remains subject to legal consequences, as NDLEA's commitment to enforcing drug laws remains firm. Babafemi highlighted previous arrests of Naira Marley's associates for drug-related charges as evidence of their stance on the issue.
Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for NDLEA, shed light on the reasoning behind this unexpected partnership in an exclusive interview with Saturday Beats.
In his words;
“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.”
However, NDLEA’s choice to appoint Naira Marley as an ambassador does not mean he is immune to legal consequences.
Babafemi made it clear that NDLEA’s commitment to enforcing drug laws remains unchanged.
He recounted instances from the previous year when NDLEA arrested some of Naira Marley’s associates, Zinoleesky and Mohbad, on drug-related charges.
Babafemi asserted that even if Naira Marley himself were to be caught with illegal substances, he would face the appropriate legal repercussions.
“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,” he added.