Traditional Rulers Must Lead Fight Against Drug Abuse, Marwa Charges Monarchs at Owu Akinale Day Celebration

By Olawale Olayinka, Abeokuta

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to take a leading role in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking by complementing the efforts of the agency at the grassroots.

Marwa made the call while speaking at the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, His Royal Majesty Oba Oluseyi Adediran, Orilẹta I, and the 10th Owu Akinale Day celebration held at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The NDLEA Chairman stressed that traditional institutions remain the closest authority to the people, making them critical partners in addressing the growing menace of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.

He urged monarchs to leverage their influence by establishing community-based advocacy networks that would educate young people on the dangers of drug abuse while also encouraging rehabilitation and support programmes for individuals battling addiction.

According to Marwa, sustained collaboration between traditional rulers, government agencies, parents, religious institutions and community leaders is essential to winning the fight against illicit drugs and protecting future generations.

He also called on parents to return to the core values of responsible parenting by paying closer attention to their children's activities, monitoring behavioural changes and providing the love, guidance and moral support needed to prevent them from falling into substance abuse.

Marwa warned Nigerian youths against engaging in drug abuse, noting that substance addiction destroys dreams, threatens public safety and undermines national development. He encouraged them to embrace positive values that would guarantee healthier and more productive lives.

Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who also addressed the gathering, congratulated the Towulade of Owu Akinale on the successful celebration of his first coronation anniversary.

Amosun equally congratulated the newly installed chiefs, urging them to regard their traditional titles as a call to selfless service, integrity and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Owu Akinale Kingdom.

Earlier in his remarks, the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, expressed appreciation to the NDLEA Chairman for his steadfast support and the agency's sustained nationwide campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The monarch also commended the sons and daughters of Owu Akinale, both at home and in the diaspora, for their cooperation, unity and contributions towards the growth and transformation of the community.

He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing developmental initiatives that would improve the welfare of residents while preserving the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the ancient kingdom.

The colourful celebration attracted traditional rulers from within and outside Ogun State, government officials, religious leaders, youth organisations, members of civil society groups and other distinguished guests.

One of the major highlights of the event was the conferment of chieftaincy titles and presentation of certificates to Brigadier General Buba Marwa as the Baba Oba of Owu Akinale, in recognition of his contributions to national security and the fight against drug abuse.

Also honoured were the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, who was installed as the Asiwaju Agba-Akin of Owu Akinale, and the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Olamide Lawal, who received the title of Are Sobaloju of Owu Akinale Kingdom, as the celebration ended with renewed calls for community development, youth empowerment and collective action against drug abuse.