By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on Nigerians to actively counter what he described as the toxic pop culture that glamorizes illicit drug abuse among young people, warning that failure to confront the trend could have devastating consequences for the country’s future.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Marwa made the remarks on Thursday during the commissioning of the Agency’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.
The NDLEA boss urged stakeholders, communities and citizens to support the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign aimed at preventing drug abuse and protecting Nigerian youths from addiction and substance dependency.
Marwa said the new radio station would serve as a strategic platform to challenge narratives that portray drug abuse as fashionable or acceptable.
“We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being. A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection. Through this station, we will drive our narrative softly but firmly. We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamourizes drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant, alternative culture—one that celebrates sobriety, showcases real stories of recovery, and provides accurate, life-saving information,” he stated.
He warned that the dangers posed by substance abuse extend beyond individual addiction, stressing that it fuels insecurity, weakens public health, undermines productivity and threatens the nation’s future workforce.
“If we do not control the narrative today, the consequences tomorrow will be catastrophic. Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health, cripples economic productivity, and compromises the very future of our workforce,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chairman explained that while enforcement operations remained critical, long-term victory against drug abuse would only be achieved through education, prevention and sustained public enlightenment.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I have always maintained that while enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars. True victory against the scourge of substance abuse cannot be achieved solely by the cold steel of handcuffs or the iron bars of a prison cell. It is won when we dismantle the demand. It is won when we conquer the ignorance that lures our children into the abyss of addiction,” he added.
Marwa described Clean Beat 91.5FM as a major innovation in the Agency’s anti-drug campaign, noting that radio remains one of the most effective tools for reaching citizens directly across homes, markets and communities.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the budget for the station, while also acknowledging the support of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), international partners and NDLEA personnel who worked to actualize the project.
“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement. Let us rewrite the story of our generation; let us guard the health of our nation; and let us protect the rhythm of our future,” he appealed.
In his goodwill message, the United Nations Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the NDLEA for adopting radio as a people-focused advocacy tool.
He said the initiative aligned with the National Drug Control Master Plan and demonstrated the Agency’s commitment to combining enforcement with education, dialogue and public engagement.
Also speaking, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu, described the establishment of the station as a strategic deployment of broadcasting for national orientation, behavioural change and youth engagement.
Ebuebu noted that protecting Nigerian youths from substance abuse must remain a national priority, stressing that the fight against drug abuse goes beyond law enforcement to national development.
Similarly, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Bala Musa, praised the initiative, describing the station as an important platform for citizens’ reorientation and positive attitudinal change.
