By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has urged Nigerian youths to embrace sports and shun drug abuse, warning that substance abuse destroys ambition, extinguishes hope, and robs young people of their rightful future.
He made the call in Abuja on Monday, September 22, 2025, while declaring open the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition. The four-week tournament, themed “Live Free, Stay Clean”, is designed as a sports-based prevention campaign against drug abuse among teenagers.
Addressing the gathering, Marwa expressed delight at the initiative, describing it as timely and visionary. He lauded DEPOWA for leveraging sports as a tool for awareness and positive engagement, stressing that sports remain one of the most effective ways to build character, discipline, resilience, and camaraderie among youths.
“Today’s gathering gladdens the heart. It is inspiring to see our children not only excelling in academics but also actively engaging in sports activities that enrich their lives, build character, and prepare them for the demands of the future,” he said.
Recalling his own youthful experience, Marwa shared personal memories from his days at the Nigerian Military School, where he played hockey up to the Nigerian Army team in the 1970s and 1980s. He noted with pride that his goalkeeper at the time was none other than General Martin Luther Agwai, a former Chief of Defence Staff, whom he described as a remarkable sportsman. These experiences, he said, reinforced his belief in the enduring power of sports to shape lives positively.
Turning to the issue of drug abuse, the NDLEA boss cautioned that the menace has become a grave societal concern threatening the wellbeing of Nigeria’s future leaders. “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,” he declared.
He reminded parents, guardians, and teachers of their shared responsibility in protecting children from substance abuse. He urged families to pay closer attention to their children, never ignore warning signs, and even consider the use of drug test kits at home for early detection. According to him, “It is better to detect drug use early, when intervention is possible, than to wait until it develops into full-blown addiction.”
Marwa praised the theme of the competition, “Live Free, Stay Clean”, noting that it captured the essence of early sensitisation and healthy living. He further advised schools to establish drug-free clubs where they do not already exist, assuring that the NDLEA would provide support as part of its nationwide drug prevention campaign.
To the students, he offered a clear charge: “Seize this opportunity. Use sports as a healthy outlet, build resilience, and stay drug-free. Remember, saying no to drugs is saying yes to your future.”
The NDLEA Chairman extended his best wishes to all participants in the competition, urging them to showcase sportsmanship, determination, and joy throughout the tournament. He then formally declared the 2025 DEPOWA Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition open.
The competition, which will hold every Thursday over the next four weeks, will feature students from schools across Abuja, with the grand finale scheduled for October 16, 2025.
