NDLEA Urges Youths to Reject Drugs at Rotary Academy

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) urged Nigerian youths to avoid drug abuse and leverage their influence to foster healthy lifestyles and responsible citizenship at the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy held in Abuja. Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, delivered this message on Monday, represented by Dr Dankolo Mohammed, the agency’s Director of Prevention and Sensitisation.

Marwa emphasized that leadership involves responsibility and service, warning that drug abuse negatively impacts individuals, families, and national security. He called for collaboration among various stakeholders to combat substance abuse and encouraged youths to act as ambassadors against drugs.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged participants to acquire practical skills beyond academic qualifications to contribute to national development. Sikiru Owonikoko, District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, and Dr Kayode Fasua, Chairman of the RYLA 2026 Planning Committee, also spoke on the importance of mentorship and leadership development for participants.