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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stated that they purposefully enlisted controversial rapper Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, as an ambassador for drug abuse prevention.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi explained that the artiste was chosen because he is the leader of the ‘Marlians’ movement, which has a large following, particularly among youths.
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It may be recalled that the internet was agog within the week when photos and videos of Naira Marley at the agency’s office surfaced, and this was because the singer is known to glorify and encourage drug abuse. The ‘Tesumole’ crooner had also advised young Nigerians to stop taking illicit substances.
Speaking on the agency’s decision, 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.”
He also noted that using Marley as an advocate did not mean that the agency won’t arrest him if he was caught with illegal substances. Babafemi added that critics should consider the message and not focus on the messenger.
“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 said.
Amid the controversy that the ambassadorial unveiling stirred online, a popular actress was among those that criticized the choice of Naira Marley.
