The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said the agency alone cannot solve the drug use problem, stressing that everyone in the society has to contribute their own quota.
Marwa equally lamented the level of drug use among Nigerian youths, including those in primary school, secondary and tertiary institutions.
The NDLEA boss stated this on Wednesday when he played host to international touring bikers group, Jeje Riders Nigeria, following the flag-off of a nationwide students’ anti-drug abuse campaign in Yola, scheduled for October 12, 2024.
He urged for collaboration between the organization and the agency to fight drug abuse among youths and children of age across the country.
He harped on the need for a campaign to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse in schools and the hinterlands across the nation.
“I would like to commend you for your initiatives and for your participation in making this a very successful organisation. It is very important that you are facing the youth, that is where the calamity that is befalling us today lies.
“The level of drug use among Nigerian youths is touching- primary school, secondary and tertiary institutions and not to talk of those that are out of school.
“There are millions that are out of school and because of the poverty index, we have a situation where there is no food to eat, they roam around and maybe a colleague will give them a pill to chew that can kill the hunger and make them happy at the same time and before you know, it becomes a problem.
“So, this type of work is very important. The NDLEA cannot alone solve the drug use problem nor the government, the whole of the society, everyone has to contribute their own quota.
“We appreciate this work you are doing, we are going to collaborate; keep us informed of all that you do. It is a very important assignment you put yourself to do. It is a national assignment. One in seven Nigerians use drugs and that is very high, but with your collaboration, I am sure you will put in your best and make a difference,” he stated.
Speaking earlier, the president and chairman, Board of Trustees of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Ibrahim Tijani St. James, said: “Our key objectives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include community development, peace advocacy, youth development, among others.
“Our key focus is on the youths and that is why we are here today. We believe that the youths are our future; they are the leaders of tomorrow.
“A nation is as good as the quality of the youth it has and that is why we focused our attention on the youth.
“We have seen what the NDLEA has done in recent times, and it has been massive.
“However, we thought that aside from what the NDLEA is doing, let us support by reaching out to the grassroots, the young ones that are our future.”