By Nkechi Eze
The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has launched a major youth empowerment initiative in Abuja, flagging off its 2025 Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition with a compelling call for collective action against the scourge of drug abuse among young people.
The four-week tournament, themed “Live Free, Stay Clean”, was declared open by the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, who underscored the urgent need to address the rising wave of substance abuse among teenagers in Nigeria. She explained that the competition, which will hold every Thursday until its grand finale on 16 October 2025, is strategically designed to combine sports with advocacy, instilling in students the values of discipline, resilience, and positive lifestyle choices.
Mrs Musa lamented the growing accessibility of dangerous substances such as cannabis, codeine, and inhalants, which continue to endanger the future of Nigerian youths. She stressed that sports provide not just a healthy alternative but also a platform to develop leadership skills and emotional strength in the face of life’s challenges. “Through sports, our children learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Qualities that serve as shields against the temptations of drug use,” she declared.
The DEPOWA President commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its sustained efforts through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, particularly noting the rehabilitation of over 3,453 individuals across 30 centres nationwide. She also expressed gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her continuous encouragement, as well as to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Service Chiefs for their institutional support.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), lauded DEPOWA for adopting sports as a powerful tool in the fight against substance abuse. He described the initiative as both “timely and impactful,” warning of the devastating consequences of drugs on the nation’s youth. “Drug abuse destroys ambition, extinguishes hope, and robs young people of the bright future that rightfully belongs to them. It is not just an individual tragedy; it is a national loss,” Marwa declared.
He called on parents and schools to step up vigilance, encouraging families to procure drug test kits for early detection and urging schools to establish drug-free clubs. “Rejecting drugs is saying yes to your future,” the NDLEA boss told the students in attendance.
Adding a practical edge to the campaign, the Lead Facilitator of the programme, Mr David Folaranmi, sensitised the students on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of early awareness, self-discipline, and informed decision-making. He stressed that the best prevention is knowledge, urging young people to make choices that safeguard their health and productivity.
The event also enjoyed robust support from leading organisations and foundations, including the Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative, Coca-Cola Checkers, Future International Initiative, ODA, Live Free Renewal Centre, David Falaremi Foundation, and One Boss Foundation.
As the competition unfolds, it is expected to promote sportsmanship, discipline, and resilience among participating schools, while spreading a clear message across communities that the future of Nigeria depends on a generation free from the grip of drugs.
