Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on Nigerians to rise against the growing toxic pop culture that glamorises the abuse of illicit substances, warning that such narratives pose grave dangers to the nation’s youth and future.
Marwa made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the official commissioning of the Agency’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM Radio, describing the platform as a strategic tool to strengthen advocacy, education, and public enlightenment in the fight against drug abuse.
According to him, behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human story involving vulnerable youths, broken families, and wasted potential that can still be redirected through awareness and support.
“We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamorises 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,” he said.
The NDLEA boss warned that failure to confront the dangerous narrative around substance abuse could have devastating consequences for national security, public health, economic productivity, and the country’s workforce.
“If we do not control the narrative today, the consequences tomorrow will be catastrophic. Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health, cripples economic productivity, and compromises the very future of our workforce,” Marwa stated.
He stressed that while enforcement remains critical in the anti-drug war, education and prevention are more effective in securing long-term victory.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I have always maintained that while enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars. 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 and conquer the ignorance that lures our children into the abyss of addiction,” he added.
Marwa described the launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM Radio as more than the unveiling of a broadcasting station, saying it represents “the amplification of hope” and a renewed commitment to protecting Nigerian youths and communities from the menace of illicit drugs.
He noted that radio remains a powerful communication tool capable of reaching citizens directly in homes, markets, schools, workplaces, and during daily commutes.
The NDLEA Chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the budget for the station and appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission, international partners, and NDLEA personnel who worked tirelessly to bring the vision to reality.
“To all Nigerians, and especially our vibrant youth, this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement. Together, let us keep the beat clean,” he urged.
In his goodwill message, the United Nations Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the initiative, describing it as an innovative and people-centred approach that complements enforcement efforts with education, advocacy, and dialogue.
He said the station aligns with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan and reinforces NDLEA’s leadership in promoting a balanced, health-oriented, and security-conscious drug control strategy.
Similarly, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, described the radio station as a strategic instrument for national orientation, behavioural change, youth engagement, and social transformation.
He noted that protecting young Nigerians from substance abuse remains a critical national development priority.
Also speaking, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by NOA Director of Media and Communication,Mr. Bala Musa, praised the initiative, saying the station would promote positive attitudinal change and citizens’ reorientation.
