Nigerians must reject pop culture promoting drug abuse

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has urged Nigerians to resist the growing pop culture that glamorises illicit drug use among youths.

Marwa made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the commissioning of Clean Beat 91.5FM, the NDLEA’s radio station established to strengthen advocacy against substance abuse and public enlightenment, according to a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

He said the station would help counter narratives portraying drug abuse as fashionable or socially acceptable among young people.

“We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamourises drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant alternative culture that celebrates sobriety, recovery and accurate information,” Marwa said.

According to him, substance abuse remains a major threat to national security, public health and economic productivity.

“Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health and compromises the future of our workforce,” he added.

Marwa stressed that enforcement alone could not win the war against drugs, noting that education and prevention were critical to reducing demand for illicit substances.

He described radio as a powerful communication tool capable of reaching citizens directly in homes, markets and workplaces.

The NDLEA boss also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the station’s budget and appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission and international partners.

He urged young Nigerians to support the anti-drug campaign and become ambassadors of a drug-free society.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the NBC and the National Orientation Agency commended the initiative, describing the radio station as an innovative platform for public orientation and behavioural change.

The statement added that NBC Director-General, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, said the station would strengthen youth engagement and social transformation, while NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, noted that it would support citizens’ reorientation efforts.