By Ruth Dabo
The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, has emphasized the importance of intentional parenting as a vital approach to curbing the rising wave of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Speaking during a live programme on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM Abuja, Mrs. Musa urged parents to take a more active role in the upbringing of their children, stressing that proper parental guidance is essential in preventing young people from falling into destructive habits.
According to her, “We must be intentional as parents. Our children learn more from what they see us do than from what we tell them. Parenting requires consistency, love, discipline, and a good example. We cannot leave the responsibility of raising our children to schools or society. The foundation starts from home.”
Mrs. Musa made this known while featuring on the radio programme “You and Your Environment,” which focused on DEPOWA’s ongoing campaign themed “Live Free, Stay Clean.” The initiative aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle, discipline, and healthy living among young people, especially students.
The DEPOWA President expressed concern over the increasing rate of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, describing it as a national challenge that threatens families, schools, and communities. She noted that many young people engage in substance use due to peer pressure, emotional neglect, and lack of proper guidance.
She said, “Drug abuse is destroying the dreams of many of our youths. It starts gradually, often with curiosity or bad company, but ends up damaging lives, families, and futures. This is why we must guide our children early before society misguides them.”
The “Live Free, Stay Clean” campaign, which commenced on September 22, 2025, and runs until October 16, 2025, is part of DEPOWA’s strategic effort to educate and sensitize students about the dangers of substance abuse. The campaign covers nine secondary schools across military and police formations within the Federal Capital Territory and has so far engaged over 700 students.
Mrs. Musa explained that the initiative uses sports such as football and volleyball as creative tools to pass anti-drug messages while promoting teamwork, focus, and discipline among students.
“Sports bring people together and provide a positive outlet for youthful energy. Through these activities, we teach young people that success comes through hard work, not shortcuts or harmful habits,” she said.
She also highlighted the presence of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), who served as the Special Guest of Honour at the campaign’s opening ceremony. General Marwa commended DEPOWA for its proactive role in complementing national efforts to curb drug abuse and encouraged the students to remain focused and responsible.
Mrs. Musa further noted that the campaign is already yielding positive results, as many students have pledged to become anti-drug ambassadors within their schools and communities. She also revealed that DEPOWA plans to extend the initiative to other parts of the country to ensure broader impact.
“We are not stopping here. Our goal is to reach more schools, communities, and families. Every child deserves guidance, mentorship, and the right environment to grow. Together, we can raise a generation that lives free and stays clean,” she emphasized.
She also appreciated the frontline troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces, acknowledging their selfless sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. According to her, “Our troops are at the forefront, standing firm to protect our territorial integrity and ensure peace across the country. Their courage and dedication inspire us to continue supporting their families and building stronger communities.”
In our society today, drug abuse has become a disturbing trend, especially among youths, both in Nigeria and globally. Statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) show that over 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, with young people between the ages of 15 and 35 being the most vulnerable group. In Nigeria alone, the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and UNODC revealed that about 14.3 million Nigerians, representing 14.4% of the population aged 15 to 64, use psychoactive substances such as cannabis, tramadol, and cough syrups with codeine. This rate is significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%, indicating the severity of the problem in the country.
Experts also warn that the trend is worsening, as new synthetic and prescription drugs continue to circulate among young people, often through social media influence and peer pressure. The consequences are devastating ranging from mental health challenges, school dropouts, criminal behavior, to family breakdown and loss of productivity.
Mrs. Musa stressed that these alarming figures reinforce the urgent need for stronger family values, moral reorientation, and continuous public education. She called on stakeholders including parents, teachers, community leaders, religious organizations, and government agencies to unite in the fight against drug abuse.
“We must all play our part as parents, guardians, and leaders in protecting our youths from this dangerous path. Together, we can create a society where young people are empowered, disciplined, and inspired to achieve greatness without resorting to drugs,” she concluded.
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