The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has urged youths to embrace discipline and drug-free lifestyles, whilst warning that drug abuse among young Nigerians remains one of the gravest threats to the nation’s future.
Marwa issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme tagged ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ (KODA), organised by Richy Gold International Ltd in partnership with NDLEA.
He commended the organisers for creatively leveraging the universal appeal of football to engage young people in positive, life-transforming activities.
“Substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine and methamphetamine are sadly being abused in schools, communities and even sporting circles,” Marwa said.
According to him, the consequences of such abuse are devastating, “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.”
The NDLEA boss stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy to combat drug abuse, adding that football-based sensitisation programmes demonstrated the value of using sports as a tool for change.
“Football teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience and determination. Just as one reckless foul can cost a team a match, one poor choice to experiment with drugs can destroy dreams, ruin careers and even cut short lives,” he said.
Marwa urged youths to draw inspiration from professional footballers who maintain drug-free lifestyles in order to succeed.
“To win in football and in life, one must stay drug-free. No footballer who abuses drugs can sustain excellence on the pitch. Let the slogan ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ be more than words; let it be your lifestyle,” he advised.
He reiterated NDLEA’s full commitment to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets, out of schools, and far away from young people.
According to him, the agency is strengthening prevention programmes, promoting counselling and rehabilitation, and working with ministries, agencies, schools, sports bodies, religious groups, and community leaders.
“However, the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by NDLEA alone. We enjoin every young person to be a champion in your own corner, rejecting drugs and influencing your peers positively,” Marwa said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Richy Gold International Ltd, Mr. Jude Onwusonye, said the KODA campaign was more than just a corporate social project but a clarion call to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths.
“At RICHYGOLD International Ltd, we don’t just make pharmaceutical products, we build healthier communities, restore hope and fuel dreams. With innovation, integrity and compassion at our core, we are redefining pharmaceutical excellence while leading the charge for a drug-free generation,” Onwusonye said.
The event brought together stakeholders in public health, sports, and youth development, a collaborative move towards combating the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.