Marwa launches NDLEA Radio Station, warns against drug abuse culture among Nigerian youths

Cityscope, Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has called on Nigerians to resist what he described as the growing toxic pop culture promoting illicit drug abuse among young people across the country.

Marwa made the call on Thursday during the official commissioning of the NDLEA’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA boss urged stakeholders, parents, institutions and citizens to join the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to protect the nation’s youth population from substance abuse.

Speaking at the event, Marwa warned that drug abuse continues to pose serious threats to national security, public health, economic productivity and the future of Nigeria’s workforce.

“We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being. A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection,” he said.

According to him, the newly launched radio station would serve as a platform to counter narratives that glorify drug abuse and replace them with messages promoting sobriety, recovery and responsible living.

Marwa said the NDLEA decided to establish the station because enforcement alone cannot completely solve the country’s drug abuse crisis.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I have always maintained that while enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars,” he stated.

The NDLEA Chairman explained that radio remains one of the most effective tools for public engagement because of its ability to reach citizens directly in homes, marketplaces, schools and workplaces.

He described the launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM as more than the unveiling of a radio station, saying it represents a national campaign aimed at amplifying hope and promoting social transformation.

According to him, the station will focus on advocacy, awareness creation, youth engagement and behavioural change as part of broader efforts to combat substance abuse nationwide.

Marwa also praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the budget for the station, while appreciating the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission, international partners and NDLEA personnel for supporting the initiative.

“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement,” Marwa appealed.

In his goodwill message, the United Nations Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the NDLEA for adopting radio broadcasting as a strategic advocacy tool.

He noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan and supports a balanced approach that combines enforcement, education and public engagement.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, described the radio station as a strategic instrument for national orientation, youth engagement and social transformation.

Ebuebu stressed that protecting young Nigerians from substance abuse remains a critical national development priority.

Similarly, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Bala Musa, praised the initiative as a major platform for citizens’ reorientation and positive attitudinal change across the country.