Cynthia Ezegwu
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, has warned that drug abuse among young people remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s future.
Marwa gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme themed “Kick Out Drug Abuse,” organised by Richy Gold International Ltd in partnership with the NDLEA.
He commended the organisers for creatively using football to sensitise youths, stressing that the sport instills values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that can keep young people away from destructive habits.
Marwa listed commonly abused substances to include tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine, and methamphetamine, noting that their abuse leads to broken homes, wasted talents, rising crime, violence, and shattered communities.
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“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,” Marwa said. He reminded youths that professional footballers at home and abroad sustain their careers by living drug-free lives.
The NDLEA chairman reiterated the agency’s commitment to prevention, counselling, and rehabilitation, while deepening partnerships with schools, ministries, religious groups, sports bodies, and community leaders. He urged young Nigerians to reject drugs and positively influence their peers.
Managing Director of Richy Gold International Ltd, Jude Onwusonye, described the initiative as a clarion call to safeguard the future of youths. He said the company’s flagship campaign, KODA, goes beyond pharmaceuticals to champion healthier communities, restore hope, and inspire a drug-free generation.