The Head of Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr Jonah Achema made the disclosure in a statement made available to our reporter on Tuesday in Abuja.

Achema said that the suspected drug trafficker, Sunday Odi was intercepted at the departure hall of the airport while attempting to board a Turkish airline flight to Northern Cyprus en-route Istanbul, Turkey.

According to him, 23-year old Odi an indigene of Ezza South Local Government Area, Ebonyi State was offered admission to read Tourism and Hotel Management at the Near East University, Cyprus.

“During a search of his luggage, some dried weeds which tested positive for Cannabis Sativa weighing 13.55 kg were found concealed in dried hibiscus flowers and stuffed in empty water bottles.

“The drugs were wrapped in little quantities in the bottles which were cut apart for the wraps to enter and sealed back with a brand label ‘Wonder Bitter Root’.

“The bottles were submerged in the bags with food condiments and provisions,” he said.

Achema however said Odi denied knowledge of the content of the bag while disclosing that one Emmanuel Ihebekwe, a Nigerian resident in Cyprus was instrumental to the University admission.

Achema said that Odi claimed that Ihebekwe had told him to come along with some food stuff and malaria drugs contained in two “Ghana-must-go” bags.

“He said that his friend, Ihebekwe had been his friend of many years before he travelled to Cyprus.

“He said that he had directed somebody from Lagos to bring to him at his base in Nnewi the two bags for him to carry along to meet him in Cyprus.

“He said that the bags were handed to him in Nnewi, firmly padlocked and he was told they contained food stuff and malaria drugs.

“He said that little did he know he has the intention of finishing his life, ” Achema quoted Odi.

The Commander, NDLEA, NAIA command, Mr Kabir Taskuwa said that the mode of concealment of the illicit substances was intriguing.

According to Taskuwa, we have always known the nefarious human beings for going to any extent to execute their evil plan.

“Our youths need to be wary of the gimmickry of being lured to study or work abroad.

“It is either they are being made to carry drugs from here in Nigeria or they will be used for drug trade abroad.

“Either way is regrettable”, the Commander maintained.

The post NDLEA nabs Cyprus bound student with 13.55 kg of Cannabis appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The entrepreneurs made the call at a virtual media and stakeholders forum on the “Benefits and Opportunities of Cannabis Plants and Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil in Nigeria’’ on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was organised by Culturepreneur Clusters Ltd. in collaboration with Grow Cann Africa, a coalition of Canadian experts working on the development of non-intoxicant Cannabis, CBD and Industrial Hemp Industries in Africa.

According to the stakeholders, as the nation considers agribusiness as alternative source of national income and job creation, the cultivation and sales of cannabis, especially for export is a viable option.

They identified CBD oil, EU certified cannabis and hemp seeds, hemp cake and hemp fibre as some major cash products derivable from cannabis production.

Ms Adaku Uju, the President of Grow Cann Africa said increased revenue derived from export for government and job creation were some benefits of investing in cannabis.

“Our experience and findings show that countries have gained better traction in the development of their national cannabis and industrial hemp industry by granting exclusive license to a foreign partner to adequately build the market.

“We are excited and hopeful to work with and partner with Nigerian government and key agencies as the key arbitrator in Nigeria in granting exclusive license for non-intoxicating cannabis or CBD and industrial hemp cultivation and processing.

“Following rigorous research to understand the readiness and requirement to acquire license to operate in Nigeria, Grow Cann believes that Nigeria is well positioned to tap into the increasing global demand for this product as it hit 10 billion dollars in 2020.

“We will be happy to further outline the immense socioeconomic benefits of cannabis to the Nigerian government, citizens and African governments in general,” she said.

Oluwadamilola Oni, Project Facilitator for Culturepreneur Clusters Ltd. said the group was set to develop awareness programmes on the growth and use of cannabis.

“One of such forum will be held here in the FCT on Oct. 16, as we work toward contributing to our economy through cannabis business.’’

Dr Tonye Jaja, an expert in legislative drafting said that a legal framework that would regulate the cultivation and commercialisation of cannabis was important for the country to tap into the opportunities it offers.

He therefore called on relevant authorities, especially the National Assembly to complete work on the bill seeking to legalise the use of cannabis.

Our correspoondent reports that earlier in May, a bill seeking to legalise use of cannabis for medical and cosmetic purposes among other reasons, passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Hon, Miriam Onuoha from Imo who sponsored the bill, said Nigeria stood to gain a lot economically if it utilised the plant for different purposes.

The post Agribusiness: Stakeholders call for cannabis to be legalised for revenue generation appeared first on NEWSVERGE.