Tonto Dikeh Criticizes NDLEA’s Collaboration with Naira Marley

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has publicly criticized the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria for its recent collaboration with controversial singer Naira Marley in a campaign against drug abuse. This partnership has sparked a significant debate across various social media platforms due to Marley’s past and the messages in his songs.

Naira Marley, known for his provocative lyrics and lifestyle, recently paid a visit to the NDLEA headquarters, where he declared his support for the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria. In a video shared by the agency, Marley urged Nigerian youths to shun drugs. However, this collaboration has been met with skepticism and criticism, given Marley’s history and the content of his music.

Actress Tonto Dikeh expressed her displeasure with the NDLEA’s decision to involve Naira Marley in its campaign. In a series of Instagram posts, Dikeh referred to the collaboration as “the biggest embarrassment from any government agency.” She questioned the rationale behind the NDLEA’s decision to partner with an artist known for promoting a lifestyle contrary to the agency’s mission. Dikeh, however, clarified that her issue is not with Naira Marley as an individual, but with the government’s decision to involve him in such a campaign.

The NDLEA’s decision to involve Naira Marley in its anti-drug campaign has ignited a wide range of reactions among Nigerians. While some see it as a strategic move to reach the youth through a popular figure, others, like Dikeh, view it as contradictory and potentially damaging to the credibility of the agency’s campaign.

Naira Marley is no stranger to controversy. He has previously faced legal issues, including a case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) centered around credit card fraud. His public image is one that is often associated with a rebellious and non-conformist lifestyle, which includes the promotion of drug use in his lyrics.

This recent collaboration between the NDLEA and Naira Marley raises questions about the effectiveness and integrity of public health campaigns in Nigeria. It highlights the tension that can arise when a government agency partners with a controversial figure in an attempt to connect with a younger demographic. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this partnership will impact the NDLEA’s campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria.