May 21, (THEWILL) — The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on Nigerians to unite against what he described as a toxic pop culture encouraging illicit drug abuse among young people, as the agency officially launched its radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Marwa described the station as a major milestone in the agency’s ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, aimed at reshaping public attitudes toward substance abuse and protecting vulnerable youths across the country.
According to him, the station represents far more than a new broadcasting platform, but a strategic national intervention designed to amplify anti-drug advocacy, public education, and community engagement.
He described Clean Beat 91.5FM as “a powerful, relentless voice” dedicated to national security, youth development, and the survival of communities threatened by the growing menace of drug abuse.
Marwa stressed that while law enforcement remains critical in tackling drug trafficking and criminal networks, prevention through education and awareness remains the most sustainable solution in the broader fight against addiction.
“We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being — a vulnerable teenager seeking escape, a broken family searching for answers, or a brilliant mind capable of redemption,” he stated.
The NDLEA boss said the station would help counter narratives in popular culture that glamorize substance abuse by promoting sobriety, responsible living, recovery stories, and factual information on the dangers of illicit drugs.
He warned that drug abuse poses serious threats to national security, public health, economic productivity, and the future of Nigeria’s workforce, stressing that failure to confront the growing culture could have devastating long-term consequences for the country.
Marwa also highlighted the unique reach and influence of radio as a communication tool capable of connecting directly with citizens in homes, schools, markets, workplaces, and during daily commutes.
According to him, the station was deliberately conceived as a grassroots-oriented platform that would engage ordinary Nigerians in local communities while strengthening national advocacy efforts against substance abuse.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the station’s budget and supporting the initiative, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission, international development partners, and NDLEA personnel who worked to bring the project to fruition.
Calling on young Nigerians to embrace the initiative, Marwa urged them to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign and help “rewrite the story” of the nation’s future through positive choices and responsible lifestyles.
In goodwill messages delivered at the event, the United Nations Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the NDLEA for adopting innovative and people-focused advocacy strategies in the fight against drug abuse.
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