The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, has warned that drug abuse among young Nigerians poses one of the gravest threats to the nation’s future.
Marwa issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme tagged “Kick Out Drug Abuse (KODA),” organised by Richy Gold International Ltd in partnership with the NDLEA.
Commending the initiative, Marwa said football, the world’s most popular sport provides a powerful platform to engage young people in positive, life-changing activities.
According to him, substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine, and methamphetamine are being abused in schools, communities, and even sporting circles.
“These substances rob young people of their health, potential, and future. The devastating consequences are broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rates, violence, and shattered communities,” he said.
Marwa stressed that prevention remains the best defence, noting that the football-based sensitisation programme illustrates the value of using sports to steer youths away from destructive habits.
“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,” he warned.
The NDLEA boss reminded the audience that professional footballers maintain excellence by living drug-free lives, urging youths to let the slogan “Kick Out Drug Abuse” become a guiding principle.
He reiterated the agency’s full commitment to keeping drugs off the streets and out of schools through prevention programmes, counselling, and rehabilitation, while deepening partnerships with schools, sports bodies, religious groups, and communities.
“The fight against drug abuse cannot be won by the NDLEA alone. We call on every young person to be a champion in your own corner—reject drugs and positively influence your peers,” he added.
Also speaking, Jude Onwusonye, Managing Director of Richy Gold International Ltd, described KODA as more than a campaign, but a clarion call to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths.
“At Richy Gold International Ltd, we don’t just make pharmaceutical products; we build healthier communities, restore hope, and fuel dreams. With innovation, integrity, and compassion, we are leading the charge for a drug-free generation,” he said.
