The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, on Tuesday, warned that drug abuse among young people remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s future.
Marwa issued the warning in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme, tagged “Kick Out Drug Abuse” (KODA), organized by Richy Gold International Ltd in partnership with the NDLEA.
He commended the organisers for creatively using the power of football, the world’s most loved sport, to engage youths in positive and life-transforming activities.
According to him, substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine and methamphetamine are sadly being abused in schools, communities and even sporting circles.
“These substances rob young people of their health, potential and future. The devastating consequences are broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rate, violence and shattered communities,” he said.
The NDLEA boss emphasised that prevention remained the best defence.
Marwa stressed that the football-based sensitisation programme underscored the value of using sports to steer youths away from destructive habits.
The NDLEA boss reminded the youths that professional footballers, whether in local leagues or on the international stage, sustained their excellence by maintaining drug-free lifestyles.
According to him, to win in football and in life, one must stay drug-free. No footballer who abuses drugs can sustain excellence on the pitch.
Marwa reiterated NDLEA’s full commitment to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets, out of schools and far away from the nation’s youths.
He explained that the agency was strengthening prevention programmes, promoting counselling and rehabilitation for users who need help.
He added that the agency was also deepening partnerships with ministries, agencies, schools, sports bodies, religious groups and community leaders, among others.
According to him, emphasis is placed on prevention targeting young people both in and out of school, with interventions designed to delay initiation into drug use while providing support for those already using.
