By Ibironke Ariyo

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa, has called for collective action involving families, religious and community leaders to stem the tide of substance abuse, cultism and banditry.

Marwa made the call while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Ijebu Ode Council of Oloritun in Ijebu Ode, Ogun on Saturday.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja on Saturday, said Marwa said that the theme, “Dangers of drug abuse, cultism and banditry among youths” was timely.

The NDLEA boss noted that collective responsibility must be embraced by all stakeholders to curb the menace of the inter-linked social vices of illicit drugs, cultism and banditry.

He said the triple threat of cult-related violence, rampant abuse of drugs and illicit substances, and the challenge of banditry across various regions, is a reality that must be dealt with decisively.

“While these issues may appear distinct, they are intricately connected, feeding one another in a cycle of destruction that must be broken if our society is to thrive.

“Cultism, once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has insidiously spread into secondary schools and neighbourhoods.

“What began as secret gatherings has transformed into violent confraternities, often manipulated by political or criminal interests.

“These groups lure young people, often under the guise of brotherhood, protection or empowerment, into a world of fear, violence and premature death.

“Tragically, the hands of many of our youths have been stained with the blood of their peers, all for false promises of belonging and power,” he said.

The NDLEA boss said that it was projected that the number of people using drugs would increase by 40 per cent in Africa.

According to him, “when they say Africa, I want us to think of Nigeria, because Nigeria has one of the highest drug use prevalences in the world.”

Marwa, however, said that in spite of the projection by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), all hope was not lost.

“As a nation and as communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend,” he assured.

“The first step is collective responsibility. Parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, educational authorities and community leaders must rise with one voice against these vices.

“The family unit must be strengthened as the first point of moral instruction, while schools should be safe spaces that promote discipline, mentorship and awareness.

“We must also invest in youth development by creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and sports. Idle hands, as we know, are the devil’s workshop.

“When our young people find purpose and meaning, they are less likely to seek false validation from cults or drugs,” Marwa said.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Council, Chief Adebisi Alausa, commended Marwa for accepting the council’s invitation.

Alausa said “your presence today reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the future of our community and our nation.

“We are gathered here not merely as individuals, but as a united front, as traditional leaders, government officials, parents, educators, and most importantly, our youths, to confront challenges that threaten the very fabric of our society.

“The issues we address today, the drug abuse, cultism, and banditry, are not distant problems.”

Marwa seized the opportunity of his presence in Ijebu Ode to pay the family of the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, a condolence visit. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Benson Iziama