The chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, says Afrobeats can drive campaigns against drug abuse and human trafficking.

Mr Marwa said this on Saturday while speaking as chief guest of honour at the maiden Afrobeats Cultural Carnival organised by the Gateway to Better Life Foundation in Asaba, Delta.

The NDLEA boss was represented at the event by the Delta commander of the NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu.

Mr Marwa described the initiative as an innovative platform combining entertainment, African cultural heritage and public enlightenment to educate young people, discourage substance abuse and promote responsible citizenship across communities.

According to him, drug abuse remains a major threat destroying families, schools and communities, stressing that effective responses must combine law enforcement with education, rehabilitation, compassion and cultural engagement.

Mr Marwa said Afrobeats, as a globally recognised music genre embraced by young people, possesses enormous potential to influence positive behaviour and discourage drug abuse, trafficking and other social vices.

“Afrobeats is more than music. It is the heartbeat of a generation.

”When we use that same powerful voice to warn against the dangers of drug abuse and human trafficking, we are not just entertaining; we are educating and protecting,” he said.

He commended the organisers for incorporating discussions on drug trafficking, sex trafficking, culture and faith, describing the programmes as practical interventions capable of protecting vulnerable youths from criminal exploitation.

The NDLEA chairman urged young Nigerians to reject drugs and criminal activities, emphasising that their talents, creativity and aspirations should be protected through responsible choices and productive engagement.

He encouraged individuals battling substance abuse to seek professional assistance, assuring them that treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and community support remained available through evidence-based interventions without discrimination or stigma.

Mr Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment under the War Against Drug Abuse initiative to strengthen partnerships with communities, faith-based organisations and stakeholders within Nigeria’s creative industry to address substance abuse.

He also commended Gateway to Better Life Foundation, DAST Foundation USA, Rainbow Star Films and Entertainment USA, and the Davido International Supporters Group for supporting anti-drug campaigns and youth development.

Also speaking, chairman of the occasion, Archbishop Gimbright Adaigho, described the carnival as a movement beyond entertainment, saying it was designed to promote responsible leadership, creativity, national unity and preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage.

Mr Adaigho, who is also the general overseer of Jesus Mission Church, urged participants to celebrate life, dignity, freedom, unity and positive culture while maintaining faith, adding that cultural expressions should inspire hope, peace, responsibility and national development among young Africans.

According to him, music and cultural festivals should become platforms for confronting drug abuse, addiction, trafficking and exploitation while promoting moral values, responsible lifestyles and sustainable youth empowerment across Africa.

The cleric officially declared the carnival open and prayed for God’s blessings upon Nigeria, Africa and the younger generation, expressing optimism that the initiative would inspire lasting peace and transformation.

Also, convener of the carnival, Chukwudi Eke, urged governments, parents, religious leaders and community stakeholders to unite against drug abuse before more children and youths become victims nationwide.

Mr Eke distinguished between drug abuse, drug addiction and substance use disorder, explaining that although different, they collectively continue to destroy lives and families across Nigeria and several countries worldwide.

He expressed concern over increasing substance abuse among schoolchildren, including pupils in primary schools, urging parents, teachers and community leaders to intervene before more promising destinies are lost.

Sharing his personal experience, Eke recalled overcoming substance abuse after receiving spiritual healing in 1981, saying the experience transformed his life and inspired his commitment to humanitarian service.

He disclosed that the carnival’s medical outreach and welfare activities were funded by him and his wife without government or corporate sponsorship, describing the gesture as community service.

Mr Eke announced the unveiling of a commemorative book on music star Davido, alongside new musical projects and a feature film expected to project positive African values to global audiences.

He appreciated traditional rulers, educational institutions, media organisations, volunteers and more than 30 partner organisations for supporting the carnival and advancing campaigns against drug abuse and related social vices.

The convener expressed confidence that the carnival would continue promoting cultural values, youth empowerment, drug abuse prevention and national development through sustained collaboration among stakeholders across different sectors.

(NAN)