Abuja: The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, on Tuesday warned that drug abuse among young people remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s future. Marwa gave the warning in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme tagged ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ (KODA), organised by RichyGold International Ltd in partnership with NDLEA.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Marwa commended the organisers for creatively using the power of football, the world’s most loved sport, to engage youths in positive and life-transforming activities. He highlighted that 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 pointed out that these substances rob young people of their health, potential, and future. He stated that the devastating consequences include broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rates, violence, and shattered communities. The NDLEA boss emphasized that prevention remained the best defense.
He stressed that the football-based sensitization programme underscored the value of using sports to steer youths away from destructive habits. Marwa explained that football teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and determination, drawing parallels between success in sports and making positive life choices.
The NDLEA chief reminded the youths that professional footballers, whether in local leagues or on the international stage, sustain their excellence by maintaining drug-free lifestyles. According to him, success in football and life requires staying drug-free, as no footballer who abuses drugs can sustain excellence on the pitch.
Marwa urged young people to let football inspire them to channel their energy into creativity, hard work, and teamwork. He encouraged them to embrace the slogan ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ as a lifestyle choice, emphasizing that saying no to drugs is saying yes to dreams, health, and future.
He reiterated NDLEA’s full commitment to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets and out of schools, while strengthening prevention programmes and promoting counselling and rehabilitation for users in need. He added that the agency was deepening partnerships with various stakeholders, emphasizing prevention targeting young people both in and out of school.
The Managing Director of RichyGold International Ltd, Mr. Jude Onwusonye, stated that beyond manufacturing, the organisation was proud to champion social impact through its flagship campaign, KODA. Onwusonye described KODA as a clarion call in partnership with relevant agencies to safeguard the future of the youth and combat the menace of drug abuse.
At RichyGold International Ltd, the company aims to build healthier communities, restore hope, and fuel dreams, with innovation, integrity, and compassion at its core, redefining pharmaceutical excellence while leading the charge for a drug-free generation.