The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, made the call while speaking at the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adeniran held at Baptist Primary School, Owu Akinale, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Brigadier General Marwa said traditional institutions remain the closest authority to the grassroots and should use their influence to discourage youths from drug abuse by establishing community-based advocacy networks, as well as rehabilitation and support programmes for victims of addiction.
The NDLEA Chairman also advised parents to return to the core values of responsible parenting by closely monitoring their children, watching for signs of behavioural changes, and providing them with the love and guidance they need.
He stressed the need for Nigerian youths to shun substance abuse in order to secure a brighter future and enjoy healthier lives.
“We cannot fully protect our heritage if we do not protect the people who will inherit it. Nigeria is facing a silent devastating war on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.Drug abuse doesn’t discriminate, it knocks on the doors of the rich and the poor.
“To our parents, I urged you to return to the core values of parenting , monitor your children, look out for early signs of the behavioral changes and offer them love and guidance that they need .
“To our youths substance abuse is a false escape it does not solve problems it multiplies them and it destroys your brain , health and future. Say a resounding No to illicit drugs”.
Marwa described Oba Oluseyi Adediran as a monarch who possesses the rare qualities of a true leader, including empathy, structural discipline, a deep love for culture and an unwavering commitment to the progress and wellbeing of his people.
Also speaking, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, congratulated the Towulade on the occasion of his first coronation anniversary and urged the newly installed chiefs to regard their titles as a call to selfless service and the development of the kingdom.
Earlier, the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, commended the NDLEA Chairman for his unwavering support and the agency's nationwide anti-drug operations.
He also expressed appreciation to the sons and daughters of Owu Akinale for their cooperation and contributions to the development of the community.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended the Towulade for his achievements within one year of his reign, describing the ongoing developmental projects as evidence of God’s answer to the monarch’s prayers for the community.
He said, “You will all see that in one year that God chose Towulade of Akinale, we can all see the wonders he has been doing. God has answered his prayers on the development of this community.”
Also speaking at the event, the Olori of Owu Akinale, Chief Mrs. Olufolake Adediran, stressed the importance of education to the development of the community, urging parents not to take the education of their children with levity.
Chief Mrs. Adediran appreciated individuals and organisations that had supported the Owu Akinale Educational Trust Fund, noting that students had been provided with books , school uniforms, school bags by Stellar Steel Company Limited for free.
She disclosed that 100 books were being distributed to students as part of efforts to promote education in Akinale, stressing that the education of children in the community remained a major priority for the Towulade.
According to her, “We cannot take education with levity. I want to urge parents to ensure that their children are properly educated. The education of students in Akinale is very important to Kabiyesi.”
She further appealed to mothers in the community to always encourage their children to attend school and acquire knowledge, noting that parents have an important role to play in ensuring that children remain committed to their education, especially when they become stubborn or unwilling to learn.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, government officials, religious leaders, youth groups, members of civil society organisations, and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the celebration included the conferment of chieftaincy titles and presentation of certificates to the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, as Baba Oba of Owu Akinale, the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, as Asiwaju Agba-Akin of Owu Akinale, and the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Mr Olamide Lawal, as Are Sobaloju of the Kingdom.
