The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has charged Nigerian youths to embrace skills acquisition and other empowerment opportunities provided by the government and other stakeholders to curb drug abuse.
Marwa gave the charge while delivering his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme by Grassroots Bridge Builders, held in Abuja on Thursday.
He expressed delight that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on youth empowerment, skills acquisition, job creation, and social inclusion.
“Training and empowering 10,000 young Nigerians through practical skills is not just an NGO activity; it is direct support to government efforts, complementing national programmes aimed at reducing unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, and general crimes. Initiatives such as this one by Grassroots Bridge Builders deserve national applause,” Marwa stated.
He noted that the contribution of the organisers goes beyond charity, describing it as capacity building, character development, future protection, and prevention of drug abuse and its attendant consequences on youth and the larger society.
The NDLEA boss acknowledged that the government alone cannot solve all of society’s problems, saying: “The fight against drug abuse and associated crimes is everybody’s business. That is why I wish to use this platform to call on other NGOs, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, community leaders, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate this initiative.”
He also encouraged stakeholders to partner with NDLEA to design and implement programmes that give youth skills, dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging, stressing that prevention works best when communities, organisations, and government collaborate.
“To the young people here today, I want to say this clearly: you are not a problem to be managed; you are a solution to be empowered. Your talents, creativity, and resilience are needed to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria. Embrace opportunities such as this, stay away from drugs, and invest in yourselves and the country,” Marwa advised.
He congratulated Grassroots Bridge Builders for demonstrating that empowering youth is the most sustainable way to secure Nigeria’s future and expressed support for all genuine, non-partisan initiatives that promote youth development, skills acquisition, and drug-free communities in line with national objectives.
