Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, has called on Nigerians to resist toxic pop culture that glamorises illicit drug use, warning that substance abuse poses a serious threat to the nation’s future.
Marwa made the appeal on Thursday during the commissioning of the NDLEA’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja, where he urged stakeholders and citizens to support the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse advocacy campaign aimed at protecting young people from drug addiction.
He said the station would serve as a platform to counter narratives that portray drug abuse as fashionable by promoting sobriety, sharing recovery stories and providing accurate information on the dangers of illicit substances.
According to him, drug abuse fuels insecurity, weakens public health, reduces economic productivity and threatens the future of the country’s workforce.
Marwa noted that while enforcement operations remain important, education and prevention are critical in winning the fight against drug abuse. He said the new radio station was conceived as part of efforts to dismantle ignorance and reduce the demand for illicit substances through sustained public enlightenment.
The NDLEA boss also described the launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM as a major milestone made possible through the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission and international partners.
He encouraged Nigerians, particularly youths, to engage with the station’s programmes and become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
Speaking at the event, the United Nations Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the initiative, describing the radio platform as an innovative approach that complements enforcement with education and advocacy.
Also speaking, Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, praised the initiative, saying the station would promote national orientation, behavioural change and youth engagement.
Similarly, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Bala Musa, said the station would help drive positive attitudinal change and citizens’ reorientation.