The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has charged 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 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.
The NDLEA boss described investment in young people as one of the most strategic investments any society could make, stressing that Nigeria’s future depended largely on the quality, character and competence of its emerging 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.
According to him, equipping young Nigerians with knowledge, character, leadership skills and innovative mindsets goes beyond individual advancement, as it prepares the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
He urged the participants to see the academy as more than an opportunity to obtain certificates, but as a platform to build relationships, discover their leadership potential and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their communities and Nigeria.
“Leadership, however, is not simply about occupying a position. Leadership is about responsibility. Leadership is about influence. Leadership is about service,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chief used the occasion to draw attention to the dangers posed by drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, warning that their consequences extend beyond individual users to families, schools, communities and the wider economy.
“Drug-related problems do not affect only the individual who uses drugs. They can affect families, schools, communities, public health, productivity, security and national development,” he said.
Marwa noted that when the potential of a young person is undermined by harmful drug use, the cost is ultimately borne not only by the individual but also by the family, community and nation.
“This is why prevention is so important,” he said.
He stressed that the country’s drug problem could not be defeated through enforcement alone, noting that prevention, education, family support, community engagement and appropriate assistance for people affected by substance use disorders were equally essential.
“At the NDLEA, we recognise that the fight against drugs cannot be won through enforcement alone,” Marwa said.
“We must also prevent drug use, educate our citizens, strengthen families and communities, empower young people and provide appropriate support for those affected by substance use disorders.”
He therefore called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, schools, families, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and community-based organisations such as Rotary.
Marwa challenged the young participants to move beyond being beneficiaries of drug prevention programmes and become active partners and ambassadors in the campaign against substance abuse.
He said the enormous influence young people wield over one another could either encourage destructive behaviour or promote positive choices.
According to him, peer influence should be harnessed to encourage academic excellence, healthy lifestyles, sports, creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation and responsible citizenship.
“Be the friend who encourages, not the friend who destroys. Be the voice that informs, not the voice that misleads. Be the leader who inspires, not the leader who pressures others into harmful behaviour,” he said.
He also warned against stigmatising young people struggling with substance use, urging participants instead to encourage them to seek appropriate help.
The NDLEA chairman identified integrity, service and resilience as three principles that should guide the young leaders during and after the academy.
He said integrity required doing what was right even when nobody was watching, stressing that leadership without integrity would eventually lose public trust.
On service, he urged the participants to deploy their knowledge, talents and opportunities to solve problems and improve the lives of others.
“The true measure of leadership is not how many people serve you, but how many lives become better because of your service,” he said.
He also urged them to cultivate resilience to withstand pressure, disappointment and challenges, particularly when making healthy decisions that might be unpopular among their peers.
“When it comes to drugs, say no to harmful drug use and yes to purpose, positive ambition and a meaningful future,” Marwa said.
He said the NDLEA’s prevention mandate naturally aligned with Rotary’s youth leadership programme because both organisations recognised the importance of informed, empowered and responsible young people in creating safer and healthier communities.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with institutions and stakeholders involved in prevention, sensitisation and advocacy.
The NDLEA boss further reminded the participants that leadership did not begin with appointment to public office but with everyday choices.
“Leadership begins with the choices you make today,” he said.
“It begins with how you treat your parents, teachers, colleagues and friends. It begins with whether you keep your word. It begins with whether you stand for what is right when it is difficult to do so.”
He challenged the youths to leave RYLA with three commitments: “I will develop myself. I will positively influence others. I will contribute to building a healthier, safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”
He stressed that young Nigerians should not regard themselves merely as leaders of tomorrow, but as leaders already contributing to the country today.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who declared the session open, also urged the participants to see themselves as partners in nation-building.
He stressed the need for young Nigerians to combine character and competence with a willingness to serve the country.
“My mission for youth leadership in Nigeria is simple. I want to see a Nigerian youth that is prepared, trusted and given the opportunity to help build this country,” Olawande said.
The minister urged youths to acquire skills beyond university degrees, develop technological competence, communicate effectively and learn to solve problems.
“A university degree is important, but please, the world is changing. A degree alone cannot strengthen you enough,” he said.
Olawande also acknowledged the limits of government intervention in youth development, calling for stronger partnerships with organisations such as Rotary.
“The government cannot do it alone,” he said, while commending Rotary for bringing together more than 600 young Nigerians for the leadership academy.
The District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko, urged the participants to take the academy seriously and maximise the opportunities available to them.
He said RYLA offered participants opportunities to establish life-changing friendships, acquire new knowledge and gain experiences that could remain valuable long after the programme.
“Whatever you have a chance to learn here will be useful,” Owonikoko said.
He urged the youths to maintain discipline and obey the rules of the academy, noting that mentorship, sponsorship and other opportunities could emerge from their participation.
The Chairman of the RYLA 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Kayode Olushola Fasua, described the academy as historic because of the large number of young Nigerians participating.
He said participants would engage in leadership conversations, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, financial intelligence, civic responsibility, character development, mentorship and vocational skills.
Fasua urged the participants to return to their communities not merely inspired by the experience but transformed into ethical leaders, innovative problem-solvers and compassionate citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Michael Olugbode
