Marwa Urges Traditional Rulers, Parents to Take Ownership of Anti-Drug Campaign
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on traditional rulers, parents and community leaders across the country to take greater responsibility in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, stressing that the agency cannot win the battle alone.
Marwa made the appeal on Saturday during the 10th anniversary celebration of Akinale Day and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran, Otileta I, held at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale in Ogun State.
Addressing guests at the event, the NDLEA boss described his presence as “a pilgrimage of friendship, respect and deep-seated admiration,” reflecting on his nearly two-decade relationship with the monarch.
According to him, his association with Oba Adediran dates back to the period when the monarch served as leader of the Lisabi Youths, noting that the qualities that distinguished him as a youth leader have continued to define his reign as the traditional ruler of Owu Akinale.
Marwa used the occasion to draw attention to the growing threat posed by drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, warning that the menace cuts across all segments of society regardless of social status or geographical location.
He said substance abuse affects both the rich and the poor as well as urban and rural communities, making it imperative for every stakeholder to become actively involved in prevention efforts.
The NDLEA chairman urged parents to return to the fundamentals of responsible parenting by paying closer attention to their children’s behaviour and monitoring them for early signs of drug abuse.
He also appealed directly to young people to stay away from illicit drugs, describing substance abuse as a deceptive escape from life’s challenges that ultimately worsens personal and social problems.
Marwa further challenged the Royal Council and community leaders in Owu Akinale to establish community-based advocacy networks aimed at preventing drug trafficking and supporting individuals battling substance dependence.
He said such local initiatives would help make the community an unfavourable environment for drug dealers while encouraging treatment and rehabilitation for those affected by drug use.
According to him, traditional institutions remain indispensable partners in the anti-drug campaign because of their close relationship with local communities and their understanding of the challenges facing young people.
Marwa also expressed concern over the recent discovery of industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratories allegedly operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states.
Against this backdrop, he urged traditional rulers, particularly in the South-West and across Nigeria, to closely monitor activities within forests and rural communities under their domains.
He advised community leaders to properly scrutinise individuals seeking to acquire farmlands in rural areas to prevent criminal elements from using isolated locations for illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking operations.
Marwa maintained that stronger collaboration between the NDLEA, traditional institutions, parents and community leaders would significantly strengthen the nation’s response to drug-related crimes and protect young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse.
The anniversary celebration attracted political leaders, prominent traditional rulers and other dignitaries from within and outside Ogun State.
