Nigerian youths have been urged to embrace skills acquisition and other empowerment opportunities provided in various intervention programmes offered by government and other stakeholders as a safeguard against falling into the trap of substance abuse and other social vices.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) gave the charge in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skill acquisition programme by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a non-governmental organization, held in Abuja on Thursday 5th February 2026.
He expressed happiness that the programme aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration on youth empowerment, skills acquisition, job creation, and social inclusion. “Training and empowering 10,000 young Nigerians through practical skills is not just an NGO activity; it is direct support to government efforts, complementing national programmes aimed at reducing unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, and general crimes”, he stated, adding that “initiatives such as this one by Grassroots Bridge Builders deserve national applause.”
According to him, “what this organization is doing today is not charity; it is capacity building, character development, future protection, and prevention from drug abuse and its attendant consequences on our youth and the larger society.”
He noted that government alone cannot solve all of society’s problems. “ The fight against drug abuse and associated crimes is everybody’s business. That is why I wish to use this platform to call on other NGOs, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, community leaders, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate this initiative.”
He encouraged stakeholders to partner with NDLEA to design and implement programmes that give youth skills, dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging, stressing that prevention works best when communities, organizations, and government collaborate. “To the young people here today, I want to say this clearly: you are not a problem to be managed; you are a solution to be empowered. Your talents, creativity, and resilience are needed to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria. Embrace opportunities such as this, stay away from drugs, and invest in yourselves and the country”, he stated
While congratulating Grassroots Bridge Builders for demonstrating that empowering youth is the most sustainable way to secure Nigeria’s future, he assured of his support for all genuine, non-partisan initiatives that promote youth development, skills acquisition, and drug-free communities in line with national objectives.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Thursday 5th February 2026
