The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on Nigerian families to embrace the use of drug test kits at home as part of proactive measures to combat rising cases of substance abuse among young people.
Marwa made this appeal at the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition held in Abuja. He emphasized that early detection plays a critical role in preventing addiction and protecting the future of the youth.
“Drug abuse robs young people of the bright future that rightfully belongs to them. It is not just an individual tragedy; it is a national loss,” Marwa stated. He further urged parents to remain actively engaged in their children’s lives, pay attention to their behavior, and never overlook warning signs of possible drug involvement.
Commending DEPOWA for adopting sports as a tool for sensitization under the theme ‘Live Free, Stay Clean,’ Marwa encouraged schools to establish drug-free clubs. He assured that the NDLEA was prepared to provide support through awareness and prevention programmes targeted at students.
In her remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, explained that the initiative was designed to empower secondary school students to embrace healthy lifestyles, free from the influence of drugs. She highlighted that the four-week programme, which will conclude on October 16, 2025, is aimed at reinforcing awareness on the dangers of substance abuse, particularly among adolescents who are often exposed to peer pressure and misinformation.
Mrs. Musa also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and applauded the NDLEA for its continuous rehabilitation and sensitization campaigns across the country.
