Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), on Saturday led a renewed campaign against drug abuse and human trafficking, urging Nigerian youths to reject substance abuse and criminal exploitation in order to secure their future.
Marwa made the call at the maiden Afrobeats Cultural Carnival held at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, Delta State, where religious leaders, entertainers and youth advocates converged to promote drug-free living, positive African culture and youth empowerment.
The carnival, organised by the Gateway to Better Life Foundation in partnership with DAST Foundation Inc. USA, Rainbow Star Films and Entertainment Inc. USA, and the Davido International Supporters Group (DIS-G), featured music performances, cultural displays, medical outreach, public enlightenment campaigns and discussions on drug abuse and human trafficking.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of Honour, Marwa described the initiative as a refreshing departure from conventional awareness campaigns, saying it effectively harnesses the influence of music and culture to address critical social issues.
“To bring together Afrobeats music, our rich African cultural heritage, and a serious national conversation on drug abuse and human trafficking under one roof is nothing short of inspired,” he said.
Warning that drug abuse has become a national emergency, Marwa said the menace has spread beyond statistics into homes, schools and communities, destroying the hopes of countless young Nigerians.
“Drug abuse is not a distant problem confined to statistics and reports. It is in our streets, our schools and our homes, and sadly, it is claiming the future of far too many of our young people,” he said.
The NDLEA boss explained that the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign combines law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration, insisting that arrests alone cannot solve the problem.
He praised the organisers for producing advocacy materials against drug and sex trafficking and for using the carnival to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse.
Describing Afrobeats as “the heartbeat of a generation,” Marwa said the genre should be deployed as a force for positive social change.
“When we use that same powerful voice to warn against the dangers of drug abuse and expose the horrors of sex trafficking, we are not just entertaining; we are educating and protecting lives,” he stated.
He urged youths not to surrender their future to drugs or traffickers.
“Your talent, your energy and your future are too valuable to be sacrificed to drugs or to traffickers who prey on your dreams and vulnerabilities,” he added.
Marwa also encouraged those battling substance abuse to take advantage of the free medical outreach at the carnival, assuring them that recovery is possible with appropriate treatment and support.
He stressed that the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking requires sustained collaboration among government agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, schools, parents and community leaders.
The NDLEA chairman further applauded the organisers for recognising distinguished Nigerians with Public Service and Career Development Excellence Awards, saying honouring exemplary citizens provides positive role models for young people.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Archbishop Gimbright Adaigho, officially declared the carnival open with a call on Nigerians to celebrate life, dignity, freedom and Africa’s cultural heritage without abandoning Christian values.
He said the festival should serve as a platform for promoting peace, creativity, excellence and hope while strengthening the campaign against drug abuse, addiction, human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable persons.
“Let the music play, but let it carry a message. Let our culture shine—but let it shine with dignity. Let our young people rise—but let them rise with purpose. Let Africa speak—but let Africa speak of peace, creativity, excellence and hope,” the cleric said.
He commended the Convener, Rev. Hon. Chukwudi C. Eke, the leadership of DAST Foundation Inc., members of the Local Organising Committee and other partners for successfully staging the maiden edition.
In his welcome address, Eke said the carnival was conceived in response to the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse, revealing that he personally overcame addiction in 1981 through the grace of God.
He distinguished between drug abuse, drug addiction and substance use disorder, noting that although medically different, they all continue to devastate individuals, families and communities.
Expressing concern over rising substance abuse among schoolchildren, including pupils in primary schools, Eke urged parents, teachers and community leaders to act before more young lives are destroyed.
The former DESOPADEC Commissioner also disclosed that he and his wife solely funded the carnival’s medical outreach and welfare programmes without government or corporate sponsorship, describing the initiative as a personal commitment to community service.
Beyond its colourful music and cultural performances, the maiden Afrobeats Cultural Carnival ended with a united call by government officials, religious leaders and community advocates for Nigerians to embrace positive values, preserve Africa’s cultural heritage and join the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking.
