Marwa Calls for Stronger Protection of the Girl-Child, Seeks Traditional Rulers' Support in Fight Against Drug Abuse

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has called for stronger protection of the girl-child against poverty, abuse, early marriage and other vulnerabilities that expose women and young people to drug abuse and exploitation. He urged traditional rulers and other stakeholders to partner with government in safeguarding vulnerable children and promoting education.

Marwa made the appeal during the public presentation of In The Shadow of the Neem Tree, a book written by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, in Kaduna on Saturday. He said protecting girls is essential to strengthening families and securing Nigeria's future, stressing that the fight against drug abuse begins by addressing the social conditions that leave young people vulnerable. Drawing from his experience as Chairman of the NDLEA, Marwa noted that the agency continues to witness how poverty, abuse, limited access to education and other systemic challenges push women and youths into drug abuse and criminal exploitation.

He therefore called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, communities, families and civil society organisations to work alongside government in changing harmful cultural practices and expanding opportunities for young girls. Marwa also commended the author for using literature as a tool for advocacy, describing the publication as a courageous contribution to the campaign against early marriage and the denial of opportunities for girls.

Reflecting on his family, the NDLEA Chairman expressed pride that all four of his eldest children have become published authors, describing the achievement as one of the greatest legacies any parent could desire.

The author, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, who is the Founder of the Women and Children's Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), explained that the novel reflects more than a decade of advocacy on women's rights, child protection and community development through her organisation.

Representing the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the District Head of Basawa, Architect Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, expressed optimism that the event would inspire positive individual and societal transformation.

"According to NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), By protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation.

According to Marwa, poverty, abuse and lack of education continue to expose many women and young people to drug abuse and exploitation, making community-based advocacy a vital preventive strategy.

According to Marwa, government and non-governmental organisations cannot tackle these challenges alone, stressing the need for traditional rulers to help reshape harmful cultural practices.

According to Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, In The Shadow of the Neem Tree represents not only a work of fiction but also a literary expression of over a decade of advocacy through her foundation.

According to the representative of the Emir of Zazzau, the book launch is expected to promote both individual growth and broader societal development."

Drug abuse prevention extends beyond law enforcement. Social issues such as poverty, early marriage, gender inequality, abuse and limited educational opportunities often increase vulnerability among women and young people. Addressing these root causes can strengthen prevention efforts and improve long-term social outcomes.

The call highlights the importance of protecting children, particularly girls through education, community support and stronger institutions. It also reinforces the role families, traditional rulers, educators and community leaders can play in preventing drug abuse before it begins.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), leading Nigeria's efforts against illicit drug trafficking, abuse and addiction.

The book In The Shadow of the Neem Tree explores the impact of early marriage on young girls and advocates greater protection of children's rights. Its author, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, has led advocacy initiatives through the Women and Children's Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF) since 2011.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

Protecting vulnerable children is increasingly recognised as both a social development priority and a crime prevention strategy. While law enforcement remains essential in combating drug trafficking and abuse, sustainable progress also depends on investments in education, child protection, gender equality and community-based advocacy. Partnerships among government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society and families could help address many of the underlying conditions that expose young people to exploitation and substance abuse.