Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has issued a powerful appeal to Nigerian youths to embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse as critical steps toward personal success and national development. The call came during the launch of a major youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme in Abuja, where Marwa outlined a holistic approach to tackling unemployment, crime and substance abuse among young Nigerians,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
In his remarks, Marwa said that embracing skills acquisition and shunning drug abuse are not just buzzwords, but vital strategies that can steer young people away from the twin scourges of substance abuse and social vices that continue to afflict the nation’s youth population. He said that access to practical skills and empowerment opportunities helps young people build resilience, dignity and economic independence. 
“Young Nigerians must embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse,” Marwa emphasised. “Your talents, creativity and hard work are Nigeria’s greatest assets, and they must be harnessed through purposeful training, meaningful engagement and self-development.” 
A National Challenge Demanding a Local Response
Nigeria continues to grapple with rising youth unemployment and a growing rate of substance abuse, factors that officials say fuel crime, poverty and social instability. Recent national figures suggest that a significant portion of Nigerian youths are either underemployed or unemployed, leaving many vulnerable to drug abuse and criminal activities as a result of frustration and lack of opportunities,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
Recognising this reality, Marwa urged stakeholders to expand support for youth-focused empowerment programmes that prioritise vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and practical skills development. He said that such programmes are essential to encourage youths to embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse, thereby reducing the lure of illicit substances and crime. 
“Training and empowering 10,000 young Nigerians through practical skills is not charity; it is strategic investment in capacity building, character development, and prevention of drug abuse,” Marwa said. “These initiatives deserve national recognition.” 
From Prevention to Prosperity: Skills First
The NDLEA boss stressed that prevention remains the most effective form of drug abuse control. Rather than dealing only with arrests and takedowns, the agency seeks to address the root causes of substance abuse by equipping young people with marketable skills and opportunities to earn a livelihood. According to Marwa, empowering youths through skills acquisition diminishes the social appeal of drug abuse and reduces the likelihood of involvement in associated crimes,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
Marwa challenged civil society organisations, community groups, faith-based organisations, private sector actors and development partners to join the government in designing and implementing programmes that provide youths with skills, purpose, and a sense of belonging. He said that this multi-sectoral approach would amplify efforts to encourage youths to embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse while building a generation equipped to drive economic growth. 
“What this organisation is doing today goes beyond charity,” he said. “It is a long-term investment in building capacity, nurturing character, and preventing drug abuse and its adverse consequences.”Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
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Youth as Partners, Not Problems
Addressing beneficiaries at the event, Marwa delivered a message that was both firm and hopeful: youths should see themselves not as problems to be managed, but as partners in national development. He encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity that promotes self-development, self-reliance and meaningful contribution to the economy,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
“You are not a problem to be managed; you are a solution to be empowered,” Marwa told the young audience. “Embrace opportunities such as this, stay away from drugs, invest in yourselves and by extension in the future of Nigeria.” 
His remarks reflect a growing consensus among policymakers that drug abuse among young Nigerians cannot be tackled in isolation, but must be paired with interventions that expand education, improve employability, and create pathways for sustainable livelihoods,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
The Broader Context: Youth Unemployment and Substance Abuse
Nigeria grapples with a youth population where a large segment remains jobless or underemployed. Studies and government reports have repeatedly linked lack of economic engagement to rising rates of substance use, mental health challenges and involvement in crime. The logic behind urging young people to embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse is rooted in the understanding that purpose and productivity are antidotes to the despair that often drives destructive behaviour,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
Experts argue that skills acquisition equips young adults with the tools to secure stable income, develop businesses and contribute to community well-being. Paired with prevention programmes that discourage drug abuse, these strategies could significantly reduce the social and economic costs associated with substance misuse,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
Turning Words into Action
Marwa’s call to embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse resonates with broader government initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and social inclusion under Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. While the government has rolled out various youth programmes, officials insist that sustainable progress depends on collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and community stakeholders,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
The NDLEA chairman also reiterated that fighting drug abuse and related social problems is a collective responsibility. He urged parents, educators, religious leaders and policy makers to support young people in developing skills and avoiding behaviours that could derail their future,Embrace skills acquisition shun drug abuse Marwa urges.
“The fight against drug abuse and associated crimes is everybody’s business,” Marwa said. “We must work together to create opportunities that empower our youths, build character, and preserve the dignity of our communities.” 
As Nigeria seeks to capitalise on its youthful demographic dividend, the message from the NDLEA chairman is clear: embrace skills acquisition and shun drug abuse as twin pillars of youth development. Whether in cities or rural communities, the success of this vision will depend on sustained commitment, innovative programmes, and shared responsibility among all segments of society. 
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