Marwa tasks youths on skills acquisition, empowerment opportunities

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.

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, gave the charge in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skill acquisition programme on Thursday in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the event was organised by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Marwa expressed happiness that the programme aligned 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.

“Initiatives such as this one by Grassroots Bridge Builders deserve national applause,” he said.

“What this organisation 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 said.

Marwa noted that the government alone cannot solve all of society’s problems, adding that the fight against drug abuse and associated crimes was everybody’s business.

He said “that is why I wish to use this platform to call on other NGOs, Civil Society Organisations,(CSO), faith-based organisations, community leaders, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate this initiative.”

The NDLEA boss encouraged stakeholders to partner with NDLEA to design and implement programmes that give youth skills, dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Marwa however, stressed that prevention works best when communities, organisations, 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 said.

He congratulated Grassroots Bridge Builders for demonstrating that empowering youth was the most sustainable way to secure Nigeria’s future.

Marwa 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.