Marwa Charges Nigerian Youths: Embrace Skills Acquisition to Defeat Drug Abuse

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

Nigerian youths have been urged to embrace skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities provided by government and private sector intervention programmes as a powerful way to avoid substance abuse and other social vices.

Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), made the call while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme in Abuja.

The initiative, organised by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a non-governmental organisation, is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills to promote self-reliance and reduce vulnerability to crime and drug abuse.

Marwa commended the programme, noting that it aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially in the areas of youth empowerment, job creation, skills development, and social inclusion.

He described the training and empowerment of 10,000 young Nigerians through practical skills as a major contribution to national development, emphasising that such efforts complement government initiatives to combat unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, and crime.

According to him, the programme transcends mere charity by focusing on capacity building, character development, and long-term prevention of drug abuse and its devastating effects on society.

Marwa stressed that the government alone cannot tackle all societal challenges, adding that the fight against drug abuse and related crimes demands the collective effort of all stakeholders.

He called on non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and other well-meaning Nigerians to replicate similar initiatives and partner with the NDLEA in empowering youths with skills, dignity, and a sense of purpose.

Addressing the youths directly, Marwa urged them to view themselves as part of the solution to Nigeria’s challenges, encouraging them to harness their talents and creativity for the country’s growth and stability.

He advised young people to seize empowerment opportunities, reject drug abuse, and invest in their personal development and the future of Nigeria.

Marwa also congratulated Grassroots Bridge Builders for its dedication to youth development and pledged his support for all genuine, non-partisan initiatives that promote skills acquisition, youth empowerment, and drug-free communities in line with national objectives.