Marwa urges traditional rulers, parents to take ownership of drug war

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Chairman and 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 to take greater responsibility in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.

In a statement released on Saturday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa made the call at the 10th anniversary of Akinale Day and first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Ayodeji Adewole Adediran, Otileta I, held at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale, Ogun State.

Marwa warned that substance abuse cuts across social and economic boundaries, affecting both urban and rural communities. He urged parents to pay closer attention to their children, monitor behavioural changes and strengthen family values as part of efforts to prevent young people from falling into drug abuse.

The NDLEA boss also urged youths to reject illicit drugs, describing substance abuse as a false escape that compounds rather than solves problems. He called on the Royal Council and community leaders in Owu Akinale to establish community-based advocacy networks that would discourage drug trafficking while providing support for people struggling with substance dependence.

Marwa said traditional institutions have a crucial role to play in the campaign because of their influence within communities and understanding of local dynamics. He stressed that the NDLEA could not successfully tackle the drug problem without the active participation of monarchs and other grassroots leaders.

He also raised concern over the recent discovery of industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratories allegedly operated by Nigerian-Mexican drug cartels in forests in Ogun and Oyo states. Marwa urged traditional rulers and community leaders, particularly in the Southwest, to monitor activities in forests and properly scrutinise strangers seeking to acquire farmland in rural communities.

Earlier, Marwa described his attendance at the celebration as a reflection of his longstanding friendship and respect for Oba Adediran. He recalled knowing the monarch for nearly two decades, dating back to his time as leader of the Lisabi Youths, and commended his leadership qualities during his first year on the throne.