By Enweliku Kent, Asaba
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged Nigerian youths to reject drug abuse, sex trafficking and other social vices, stressing the need to protect their talents, creativity and future through responsible choices.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), gave the charge during a youth-focused cultural engagement in Asaba, Delta State, themed: “Celebrating the Impact of Afrobeat King Davido on African Music, Youth Culture and National Unity.”
Marwa, who was represented by the Delta State Commander of the agency, CN Halilu Hamidu, described Afrobeat as a powerful platform that combines entertainment, African cultural heritage and public enlightenment to promote responsible citizenship and discourage substance abuse among young people.
He said the event provided an opportunity to use music and cultural expression to create awareness about drug abuse, intervene for victims of substance-related challenges and sex trafficking, and promote healthier communities.
He said, drug abuse remains a major threat to families, schools and communities, adding that a combination of law enforcement, education, rehabilitation, compassion and cultural engagement was necessary to tackle the menace effectively.
The former military governor also noted that Afrobeat, as a globally recognised music genre with strong youth appeal, had the potential to influence positive behaviour and serve as a tool against drug abuse, trafficking and other forms of social misconduct.
He commended the organisers for integrating discussions on drug trafficking, sex trafficking, culture and faith into the programme, describing the initiative as a practical intervention aimed at protecting vulnerable youths from exploitation.
Marwa encouraged Nigerians struggling with substance abuse to seek professional support, assuring them that treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and community-based interventions were available without discrimination or stigma.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding partnerships with communities, faith-based organisations and stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
Also speaking at the event, Archbishop Gimbright Adaigho, who chaired the occasion, described the carnival as a movement beyond entertainment, designed to promote responsible leadership, creativity, national unity and the preservation of African cultural heritage.
Adaigho urged youths to embrace positive values, saying cultural expressions should inspire hope, peace, responsibility and national development.
He stressed that music festivals and cultural platforms could serve as avenues for confronting drug abuse, addiction, trafficking and exploitation while encouraging moral values and sustainable youth empowerment.
The Convener of the carnival, Ambassador Rev. Chukwudi Eke, said the Davido International Support Group (DIS-G) collaborated with other organisations to stage the event because of the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse on individuals, families and society.
Eke, who disclosed that he personally battled substance abuse at the age of 17 before overcoming it in 1981, said the distinction between drug abuse, drug addiction and substance use disorder was important in understanding and addressing the problem.
He expressed concern over the rising involvement of young people, including primary school pupils, in substance abuse, calling on parents, teachers and community leaders to act early to prevent the loss of promising futures.
The convener also unveiled the Davido Legacy Book, a publication documenting the influence of Afrobeats star Davido on African music, youth culture and global entertainment.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at projecting positive African values internationally while promoting youth empowerment and responsible lifestyles.
Eke expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, educational institutions, media organisations, volunteers and partner groups for supporting the carnival and advancing the campaign against drug abuse and related social challenges.
He added that the event would become an annual platform for promoting cultural values, youth development, anti-drug advocacy and national growth through sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
The carnival featured cultural and masquerade performances, awards presentation to outstanding individuals, and a free medical outreach for participants.
(The Sun)