Abuja: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated Clean Beat 91.5FM, a dedicated radio station aimed at advancing anti-drug campaigns and promoting a drug-free society through strategic public engagement. NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen Buba Marwa, emphasized at the event that lasting victory against the scourge of substance abuse could not be achieved solely through enforcement measures such as arrests and imprisonment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Marwa stated that the fight against substance abuse could only be won by tackling drug demand and addressing the ignorance that lures young people into addiction. He explained the conception of Clean Beat 91.5 FM as a means to reach citizens directly and effectively in various settings, highlighting radio’s unique capacity to bypass barriers and engage audiences intimately.
The NDLEA boss acknowledged the essential support from President Bola Tinubu, who approved the budget for the station, as well as from the National Security Adviser and the National Broadcasting Commission, who authorized the radio frequency. Marwa also expressed gratitude towards international partners and the dedicated NDLEA team for their efforts in bringing the vision to life.
Marwa urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to engage with the station’s programs and become ambassadors of the movement against drug abuse. He called for collective efforts to protect the nation’s health and future, emphasizing the station’s role as a platform for rewriting the story of the current generation.
In a goodwill message, Mr Cheikh Tour©, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) Country Representative, commended Marwa for utilizing radio as an advocacy tool. Represented by Dr Akanimo Ibanga, Tour© praised NDLEA’s commitment to innovative and people-centered approaches that complement enforcement efforts with education, advocacy, and dialogue.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, also lauded the initiative under Marwa’s leadership. Ebuebu highlighted the strategic importance of Clean Beat 91.5 FM in fostering national orientation, behavioral change, and youth engagement, noting that the fight against substance abuse is a national developmental imperative.