Marwa advocates skills development as tool against drug abuse

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has urged Nigerian youths to embrace skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities to avoid substance abuse and other social vices.

Marwa gave the advice at the launch of a youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme organised by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a non-governmental organisation, in Abuja on Thursday.

He stated that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, job creation, skills development and social inclusion.

The NDLEA boss encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in designing programmes that provide youths with skills, dignity, purpose and a sense of belonging, stressing that prevention efforts are most effective through collective action.

According to him, empowering thousands of young Nigerians through practical skills directly supports government efforts to reduce unemployment, poverty, drug abuse and crime, adding that such initiatives go beyond charity to capacity building and character development.

Marwa noted that government alone cannot address all societal challenges, calling on non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and other institutions to actively participate in nation-building.

“The fight against drug abuse and associated crimes is everybody’s business. That is why I wish to use this platform to call on other NGOs, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, community leaders, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate this initiative,” he added.

While congratulating the organisers, Marwa reaffirmed his support for credible, non-partisan initiatives that promote youth development, skills acquisition and drug-free communities in line with national objectives.