The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (rtd), has called on Nigerians to confront what he described as a “toxic pop culture” that glamorises the abuse of illicit substances among young people.
Marwa made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of the NDLEA’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.
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According to him, the station was established as part of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, aimed at discouraging substance abuse and promoting rehabilitation and awareness.
“We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being. A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection,” Marwa said.
“Through this station, we will drive our narrative softly but firmly. We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamourizes drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant, alternative culture — one that celebrates sobriety, showcases real stories of recovery, and provides accurate, life-saving information.”
The NDLEA chairman warned that failure to tackle the growing acceptance of drug abuse could have severe consequences for the country.
“Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health, cripples economic productivity, and compromises the very future of our workforce,” he said.
Marwa stated that while law enforcement remains important, education and prevention were more effective in winning the broader fight against drug abuse.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I have always maintained that while enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars,” he said.
“True victory against the scourge of substance abuse cannot be achieved solely by the cold steel of handcuffs or the iron bars of a prison cell. It is won when we dismantle the demand.
“It is won when we conquer the ignorance that lures our children into the abyss of addiction.”
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He described radio as a powerful tool capable of reaching citizens directly in homes, markets and public spaces despite the rapid growth of digital media.
Marwa also credited President Bola Tinubu, the office of the national security adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission, international partners and NDLEA personnel for supporting the project.
According to him, the station symbolises a proactive approach by the agency in combating substance abuse beyond arrests and prosecutions.
“Clean Beat 91.5 FM will stand as a beacon of light, constantly reminding us that a drug-free Nigeria is not an idealistic dream, it is an achievable reality,” he added.
Marwa urged Nigerian youths to embrace the initiative and become advocates against drug abuse.
“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the United Nations Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the NDLEA for adopting radio as a tool for public advocacy.
He said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national drug control master plan and reflects a balanced approach combining enforcement, education and public engagement.
