The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in the campaign against drug abuse.
Marwa made the appeal while addressing First Class university graduates from across the country at the 2nd Peace Magazine Honour Roll Ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, where he was the Special Guest of Honour.
He congratulated the awardees for their outstanding academic achievements and urged them to channel their talents and intelligence toward building a better Nigeria.
“Your achievements today are not just academic milestones; they represent the promise of a better Nigeria. But that promise can only be fulfilled if you remain disciplined and drug-free. Drug abuse destroys destinies and undermines excellence,” Marwa said.
He warned that substance abuse poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future, describing it as “a clear and present danger to the nation’s human capital.”
“We see every day how drugs destroy lives, derail ambitions, and push many young people into mental illness, crime, and early death. This is not just a social issue it’s a national crisis,” he added.
Marwa encouraged the graduates to use their influence to promote a drug-free lifestyle among their peers and communities.
“With your success, people will listen when you speak. Use your achievements to inspire others to stay away from drugs. Show them that true success comes from hard work and focus, not from drugs or stimulants,” he advised.
He further urged them to become NDLEA Advocates of Excellence and Champions of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, a national campaign led by the agency to promote awareness and reduce drug demand.
“The fight against drug abuse must involve everyone. While the NDLEA continues to arrest traffickers and dismantle cartels, you can help by educating and influencing others to make the right choices,” Marwa said.
He also commended the organisers, Peace Magazine, for creating a platform that celebrates excellence and promotes positive values, describing it as a “powerful way to counter social decay.”
