Marwa Urges Traditional Rulers, Parents to Lead Fight Against Drug Abuse, Warns Over Criminal Activities in Forests
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on traditional rulers, parents and community leaders across Nigeria to take greater responsibility in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, stressing that the battle cannot be won by law enforcement agencies alone.
The NDLEA Chairman made the call on Saturday during the 10th anniversary of Akinale Day and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran (Otileta I), held at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Marwa described his presence at the event as "a pilgrimage of friendship, respect and deep admiration," recalling that his relationship with the monarch dates back nearly 20 years when Oba Adediran served as leader of the Lisabi Youths.
He commended the monarch's leadership qualities, noting that the same commitment and dedication he demonstrated as a youth leader are now reflected in his reign as the traditional ruler of Owu Akinale.
Speaking on the growing challenge of drug abuse, Marwa warned that substance abuse cuts across all social classes and communities, affecting both the rich and the poor, as well as urban and rural populations.
He urged parents to become more involved in their children's lives by paying closer attention to their activities and watching for early behavioural changes that could indicate drug use.
Addressing young people directly, the NDLEA boss advised them to stay away from illicit drugs, describing substance abuse as a deceptive escape that only worsens personal and social problems.
Marwa also charged members of the Owu Akinale Royal Council and other community leaders to establish grassroots advocacy networks aimed at preventing drug abuse, supporting individuals battling substance dependence and making the community inhospitable to drug traffickers.
According to him, traditional institutions remain critical partners in the campaign against illicit drugs because of their close relationship with local communities and their influence on young people.
The NDLEA Chairman further expressed concern over the recent discovery of industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratories allegedly operated by Nigerian-Mexican drug cartels in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders across the South-West and other parts of the country to be vigilant by monitoring the activities of strangers within their communities and forests.
Marwa also advised that prospective buyers of farmlands in rural communities should be properly screened to prevent criminal elements from using such locations for illegal drug production and other unlawful activities.
The event attracted political leaders, eminent traditional rulers and other distinguished guests who joined residents in celebrating the community's annual cultural festival and the monarch's first year on the throne.
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