Drug war: Marwa charges traditional rulers, parents to get involved

The Chairman of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has called for a united front against substance abuse, urging traditional institutions and parents nationwide to collaborate with the agency. Marwa emphasized that drug abuse is a pervasive issue, impacting individuals regardless of their wealth or location.

“

drug abuse does not discriminate, affecting rich and poor, urban and rural communities alike.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Akinale Day and the coronation anniversary of the Oba of Owu Akinale in Ogun State, Marwa highlighted the importance of parental involvement. He implored parents to return to fundamental parenting values, including closely monitoring their children for any early signs of behavioral changes associated with drug use. He also directly appealed to young people to reject illicit substances, characterizing drug abuse as a deceptive escape that exacerbates problems rather than solving them.

“

parents to return to core values of parenting by monitoring their children and watching for early behavioural changes.

Marwa stressed the critical role of traditional rulers and community leaders, particularly in Owu Akinale, to establish community-based advocacy networks. The goal is to make towns inhospitable to drug traffickers while ensuring robust support systems for individuals struggling with addiction. He underscored that the NDLEA cannot effectively combat drug abuse without the active partnership of monarchs and traditional institutions, who possess a deep understanding of youth dynamics.

“

substance abuse as a false escape that multiplies rather than solves problems.

His appeal comes in the wake of significant drug busts, including the discovery of industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratories operated by a Nigerian-Mexican cartel in Ogun and Oyo states. Marwa urged traditional rulers and community leaders across Nigeria, especially in the southwest, to remain vigilant about the activities of strangers within their communities, particularly those seeking to acquire farmland in rural areas, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting processes.

“

the agency could not win the war against drugs abuse without the partnership of traditional institutions and monarchs who understand youth dynamics.