Buba Marwa, the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says that to control the surge of substance abuse, cultism and banditry among Nigerian youths, collective efforts are required by families, religious institutions and community leaders.
Marwa stated this on Saturday during the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state.
Speaking on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and banditry among youths, the NDLEA chief said that collective responsibility must be embraced by all stakeholders to curb the menace of the inter-linked social vices of illicit drugs, cultism and banditry.
He explained that the threat of cult-related violence, rampant abuse of drugs and illicit substances, and the challenge of banditry across various regions are realities that must be dealt with decisively.
“While these issues may appear distinct, they are intricately connected, feeding one another in a cycle of destruction that must be broken if our society is to thrive. Cultism, once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has insidiously spread into secondary schools and neighbourhoods. What began as secret gatherings has transformed into violent confraternities, often manipulated by political or criminal interests.
“These groups lure young people, often under the guise of brotherhood, protection or empowerment, into a world of fear, violence and premature death. Tragically, the hands of many of our youth have been stained with the blood of their peers, all for false promises of belonging and power.”
According to the NDLEA boss, “It is projected that the number of people using drugs will increase by 40% in Africa. When they say Africa, I want us to think of Nigeria, because Nigeria has one of the highest drug use prevalences in the world.”
He said that all hope is not lost despite the projection by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“As a nation and as communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend.
“The first step is collective responsibility. Parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, educational authorities and community leaders must rise with one voice against these vices. The family unit must be strengthened as the first point of moral instruction, while schools should be safe spaces that promote discipline, mentorship and awareness.
“We must also invest in youth development by creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and sports. Idle hands, as we know, are the devil’s workshop. When our young people find purpose and meaning, they are less likely to seek false validation from cults or drugs.”
In his response, Chief Adebisi Adeola Alausa, the chairman of the council, however, commended Marwa for accepting the council’s invitation.
“Your presence today reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the future of our community and our nation. We are gathered here not merely as individuals, but as a united front, as traditional leaders, government officials, parents, educators, and most importantly, our youths, to confront challenges that threaten the very fabric of our society. The issues we address today, the drug abuse, cultism, and banditry, are not distant problems”
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Lekan Mustapha, acknowledged the approaches of Marwa in dealing with and curbing drug abuse in Nigeria.
He commended his incredible performance as military governor of Borno and Lagos as well as his transformation of NDLEA into reckoning both locally and internationally.
“That you honoured our invitation shows your passion for the job, the safety and protection of our youths from drug and other vices”, he added.
