Marwa Warns Against Toxic Pop Culture Glorifying Drug Abuse As NDLEA Launches Radio Station
In a country battling rising substance abuse among young people, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has warned that Nigeria must urgently confront the growing pop culture narrative that glamorises illicit drug use.
Marwa gave the warning on Thursday during the commissioning of the Agency’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja, describing drug abuse as a dangerous threat capable of destroying families, weakening public health, and crippling national productivity.
According to him, the station was created to counter harmful social influences by promoting positive values, recovery stories, and accurate information on substance abuse.
“We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamourises drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant alternative culture that celebrates sobriety and showcases real stories of recovery,” Marwa stated.
He stressed that while enforcement operations remain important, long-term victory against drug abuse can only be achieved through education and prevention.
“Enforcement wins battles, but education and prevention win wars,” he added.
The NDLEA boss noted that Clean Beat 91.5FM would serve as a strategic advocacy platform capable of reaching Nigerians directly in homes, markets, workplaces, and communities.
Marwa also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the station’s budget, while acknowledging the support of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission, and international partners.
The initiative received commendation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which described the radio platform as an innovative people-centred approach to drug control.
The Director General of the NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, said the station represents a strategic use of broadcasting for national orientation, behavioural change, and youth engagement.
Similarly, the National Orientation Agency hailed the project as a timely platform for citizens’ reorientation and positive attitudinal change.
Marwa urged Nigerian youths to embrace the movement and reject substance abuse, insisting that a drug-free Nigeria remains achievable.
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