The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has warned that drug abuse among young people is one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s future.
He gave the warning in Abuja while delivering a keynote speech at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme, also called Kick Out Drug Abuse (KODA). The event was organized by RichyGold International Ltd in partnership with NDLEA.
Marwa praised the organizers for using football, the world’s most loved sport, to positively engage young people and inspire them to live better lives.
He explained that many young Nigerians are abusing substances like tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
“These drugs steal the health, potential, and future of our youths,” he said. “The results are broken homes, wasted talents, rising crime, violence, and destroyed communities.”
Marwa stressed that prevention is the best defense against drug abuse. He said the football sensitization programme shows how sports can guide young people away from harmful habits.
He compared football to life, saying the sport teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and focus. “Just as one reckless foul can cost a team the game, one wrong choice to take drugs can destroy dreams, careers, and even lives,” he warned.
He reminded the youths that successful footballers, whether playing locally or internationally, maintain a drug-free lifestyle. “No footballer who abuses drugs can stay excellent on the pitch,” he added.
Marwa encouraged young people to draw inspiration from football by putting their energy into creativity, hard work, and teamwork. He urged them to make “Kick Out Drug Abuse” more than just a slogan but a way of life.
He told them: “When you say no to drugs, you are saying yes to your dreams, your health, and your future.”
The NDLEA chairman assured that the agency is committed to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets, schools, and away from youths.
He said the NDLEA is expanding prevention programmes, as well as promoting counselling and rehabilitation for those who need help.
He explained that the agency is also working with ministries, schools, sports groups, religious bodies, and community leaders to fight drug abuse. The focus, he said, is on delaying first use among young people and supporting those already using drugs.
Marwa stressed that NDLEA cannot fight the battle alone. He urged young people to become champions in their communities by rejecting drugs and positively influencing their peers.
The Managing Director of RichyGold International Ltd, Mr. Jude Onwusonye, said the company is proud to support social causes like KODA, beyond just manufacturing pharmaceutical products.
He described KODA as a clarion call, designed in partnership with NDLEA and other agencies, to protect young people, fight drug abuse, and build a healthier society.
“At RichyGold, we do more than make medicines,” he said. “We build healthier communities, restore hope, and fuel dreams. With innovation, integrity, and compassion, we are leading the push for a drug-free generation.”
