Shun Drugs, Face Nation Building, NDLEA Boss Tells Nigerian Youths

Shun Drugs, Face Nation Building, NDLEA Boss Tells Nigerian Youths

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has challenged Nigerian youths to reject harmful drug use and deploy their influence positively to promote healthy lifestyles, responsible citizenship and national development.

Marwa gave the charge in Abuja on Monday in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Director, Prevention and Sensitisation of the NDLEA, Dr Dankolo Shehu Mohammed, at the opening of the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA).

The academy, organised by Rotary International District 9127 at the British Nigerian Academy, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, brought together more than 600 young Nigerians for leadership development.

Marwa said the decision by Rotary to invest in young people was one of the most strategic investments any society could make, stressing that the future of Nigeria depended largely on the quality, character and competence of its young leaders.

“The future of every nation rests not only on its natural resources or physical infrastructure, but fundamentally on the quality, character and competence of its people,” he said.

He said developing young people with knowledge, character, leadership skills and an innovative mindset went beyond individual advancement because it also prepared the nation for a better future.

According to him, the participants were not gathered merely to obtain certificates but to develop themselves, build relationships, discover their leadership potential and prepare to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country.

“Leadership, however, is not simply about occupying a position. Leadership is about responsibility. Leadership is…