The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), has urged parents to acquire drug test kits for home use.
Marwa said this was in order to ensure early detection of drug use by children and managing the situation.
The NDLEA boss noted that substance abuse has become a societal menace that endangers the health, wellbeing, and future of young people.
Brig.-Gen. Marwa (rtd) stated this at the opening ceremony of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition 2025, where he was special guest of honour.
“Let me be clear: drug abuse destroys ambition, extinguishes hope, and robs young people of the bright future that rightfully belongs to them. It is not just an individual tragedy; it is a national loss,” he said.
He continued, “As parents, guardians, and teachers, we share the sacred responsibility of guiding our children along the right path—helping them to nurture their talents, pursue their dreams, and avoid the destructive grip of drugs. We must remain close to our children, give them attention, and never ignore the warning signs.
“In fact, I encourage families to take proactive steps, including acquiring drug test kits for home use. It is better to detect drug use early, when intervention is possible, than to wait until it develops into full-blown addiction”.
The anti-narcotic agency’s chief executive also urged schools to establish drug-free clubs where they currently do not already exist.
“The NDLEA stands ready to support you in this effort, as part of our shared responsibility to build a healthier and safer nation,” he assured.
Marwa commended DEPOWA for organising the sports-based drug abuse prevention programme with the theme “Live Free, Stay Clean”.
“It speaks directly to the need for early sensitisation, and I commend DEPOWA for this visionary initiative. Sports, after all, should remain a noble pursuit—one that rewards discipline, hard work, and integrity, not shortcuts rooted in abuse, including performance-enhancing drugs,” he added.
He further urged the students to use sports as a healthy outlet to build resilience, and stay drug-free.
Earlier in her remarks, the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, said this year’s competition was a sports-based drug abuse prevention programme targeted at empowering secondary school students to lead drug-free lives through engagement in sports, awareness activities, and positive lifestyle choices.
According to her, the rising cases of substance abuse among teenagers in Nigeria, especially with easy access to cannabis, codeine, inhalants, and other psychoactive substances were deeply concerning.
She said, “Peer pressure, misinformation, and socio-economic pressures often lead our youth into experimenting with drugs. As a society, we have a responsibility to protect, guide, and support them to navigate adolescence safely and in good health”.
Mrs Musa stressed that sports play a vital role in shaping young lives. “Through sports, our youths learn teamwork, leadership, resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline. These qualities help them cope with challenges, manage emotions, and make informed choices, while also providing a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.
“As we empower them through sports, we must also educate them about the dangers of substance abuse”.
