The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has warned Nigerian youths that drug abuse carries long-term consequences that could permanently damage their futures.

Speaking at the combined 29th and 30th convocation lecture of the University of Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Marwa said substance abuse has shifted from a street-level issue to a serious campus problem.

“A criminal record for drug offences is a life sentence on your career before it even begins,” he said.

“You cannot practice law, medicine, or engineering with a drug-related conviction.”

Why it matters

Mr Marwa said Nigeria risks losing a generation of young people to addiction, crime, and mental health challenges if urgent action is not taken.

He warned that modern drug use is no longer limited to traditional substances like cannabis but now includes synthetic opioids and designer drugs such as Colorado, Loud, and Methamphetamine.

According to him, social media has also become a new channel for drug distribution, with students increasingly involved in trafficking networks.

“Drug abuse does not affect only the user. It ripples outward—families suffer, institutions are damaged, and society bears the cost,” he added.

Alarming statistics on youth involvement

Citing national data, Mr Marwa said young Nigerians remain the most affected group.

He referenced findings from the National Drug Use and Health Survey, which showed that most users fall between the ages of 25 and 39, with many introduced to drugs as early as 19.

He also revealed that:

Over 77,000 drug offenders were arrested in the past five years

More than 60% were young people

Thousands of those treated for drug dependence were also youths

“We even see children below 15 experimenting with illicit substances,” he said.

Drug abuse and campus violence

Mr Marwa linked substance abuse to rising cases of cultism and violence in tertiary institutions.

He explained that drugs affect brain function, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of risky or criminal behaviour.

“Drug abuse is the twin brother of cultism and campus violence,” he warned.

Experts in public health say such patterns are consistent globally, where substance abuse often correlates with crime, poor academic performance, and long-term psychological damage.

Message to graduating students

Addressing graduating students directly, Mr Marwa urged them to stay focused as they enter a rapidly evolving world shaped by technology and finance.

“You are about to enter a world that is AI-powered and fintech-driven. There is no room for a clouded mind,” he said.

“If your friends require you to be ‘high’ to belong, you are in the wrong company.”

He added:

“Nigeria needs your talent, your energy, and—most importantly—your sober mind to lead us into the next decade.”

Calls for collective action

The NDLEA chairman called on universities, families, and government institutions to intensify drug education and prevention efforts.

He also praised the University of Abuja for working with the agency to strengthen campus surveillance.

“A nation cannot thrive when its youth—its greatest asset—are compromised,” he said.

“We must surmount the substance abuse challenge.”

What’s next

Mr Marwa urged tertiary institutions across Nigeria to expand drug awareness campaigns, particularly during student orientation programmes.

He said failure to act could leave young people “stranded in the wilderness of life,” while success would secure the country’s future leadership.

The Delta State Police Command has launched a statewide clean-up exercise and free medical outreach to mark the start of National Police Week 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen community trust and improve public health.

The initiative, which began on Monday, took place across all nine area commands in the state, with officers cleaning public spaces and providing free healthcare services to residents.

Why it matters

The exercise highlights a growing push for community policing in Nigeria, where law enforcement agencies are seeking to rebuild trust and deepen engagement beyond traditional security roles.

By combining sanitation efforts with healthcare outreach, the police aim to address everyday community needs while improving their public image.

Statewide clean-up and health services

Police officers were deployed across multiple locations to clear drainages, tidy public spaces, and improve environmental conditions in their jurisdictions.

At the same time, free medical services were offered at designated centres, including the police headquarters.

Residents received basic health checks, medical consultations, and essential medications.

“Policing goes beyond law enforcement”

Leading the exercise at Anioma Market, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, said the activities align with the 2026 theme, “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”

“Policing extends beyond law enforcement to include community service and meaningful engagement with the public,” he said.

He urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their homes and surroundings, adding that it is vital for healthy living.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness and essential for healthy living,” he said.

Community engagement in focus

The programme reflects a broader shift towards people-focused policing, where officers are expected to play a role in social welfare and public health.

Public reactions in similar initiatives across Nigeria have shown that such outreach programmes can improve cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

What’s next

The Delta State Police Command says it will continue activities throughout the National Police Week, focusing on initiatives that promote safety, public health, and stronger community partnerships.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to promote unity, dialogue, and peace in their communities amid growing security challenges.

Represented by George Akume, the president made the appeal at the launch of “The Triumph of Grace,” the autobiography of Oba Olu Falae in Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

He said traditional rulers must play a stronger role in maintaining peace, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.

“Peace and security are not the sole responsibility of government but a collective duty requiring collaboration at all levels,” the president said.

Aiyedatiwa: Leadership must be value-driven

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, described the event as more than a celebration, calling it a moment to reflect on Nigeria’s leadership values.

He urged emerging leaders to emulate Oba Falae’s integrity, resilience, and discipline.

“Diligence is not negotiable, adversity is not final, and integrity remains the most enduring currency,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa added that the autobiography offers practical lessons for navigating leadership challenges in a changing society.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, economic uncertainty, and shifting social values.

Leaders at the event emphasised that traditional institutions remain influential in grassroots governance and conflict resolution.

Oba Falae’s life spanning roles as a civil servant, minister, and presidential candidate  was presented as a model for ethical leadership and national service.

Book review highlights faith and resilience

Former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who reviewed the book, described it as a reflection of diligence and faith.

“There is no coincidence with the God that he serves. He serves the God of precision,” he said.

He noted that the title reflects Falae’s deep belief in divine guidance.

Falae recounts moments of survival

In his remarks, Oba Falae attributed his life journey to divine grace, sharing three near-death experiences.

He said he survived being mistaken for stillborn at birth, escaped a fatal plane crash in 1969 due to a last-minute flight change, and endured a kidnapping at age 77 where, he said, his captors showed unexpected mercy.

“These experiences show grace at work,” the monarch said.

Industry and political reactions

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy Bayo Lawal, described Falae as “an enigma and a visionary statesman.”

Dignitaries at the event included Babagana Kingibe, Kayode Fayemi, and Bode George, among others.

What’s next

Analysts say renewed focus on traditional leadership could shape Nigeria’s approach to community-level security and governance.

The autobiography is also expected to contribute to public discourse on leadership, ethics, and national development.