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The whirlwind of drug abuse is menacing. Like a pandemic, it cuts across national boundaries. The global statistics and regional dimensions are scary. As far back as 2018, the United Nations Drug Survey for Nigeria indicated that over 14 million people abuse drugs. And it appears that the end is not in sight as drug addiction is defying all frontal attacks against it. The aggressiveness of law enforcement has become salt in an ocean. Deterrence by wielding of big stick is a scratch on the surface. Drug abusers are not only neck-deep and unrepentant but frighteningly, more people are indulging the irresponsibility.
Official reports say that drug abusers are within the age range of 15 and 64 years. A great number of them are students, artisans, commercial vehicle drivers, youths on the streets, adults undergoing transition crisis, and very disturbingly, many girls who now found fulfillment in illicit drugs. The substances that are largely abused include tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc. Hypothetically, this risky habit is a placebo effect of mass pauperization and hopelessness in the country.
With the understanding that the use of force of law has not worked as expected, RichyGold International Limited, a Lagos-based pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing company, opted for a soft power approach to complement the efforts of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The patriotic mission which kick-started in December 2024 with a football match for the street boys christened, “Kick Out Drug Abuse” (KODA) at the Anthony Village Football Field in Lagos, has today, matured to a national template for positive community engagement and subtle persuasion through recognition of talent resource. Admirably, the NDLEA led by the visionary performer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) welcomed the novel idea with an open heart and open hands.
As such, the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, became the next port of call for the September 2025 campaign through football. This time, RichyGold had formally reached out to some select public secondary and primary schools in the city, and a few amateur male and female football teams. Youth corps members also came in their numbers. The atmosphere was convivial. The organizing committee members were hands-on. The weather was clement. The venue, Old Parade Ground, Area 10, was colourful. Flex banners conveying concise, touchy, and life-transforming statements envisioned in KODA adorned every nook and cranny of the pitch and spectators stand. The artistic finesse of the entire package was captivating to the eyes. The extremely interesting drama presented by young and budding theatre performers hit the nail on the head. It was another form of talent discovery for Nollywood, which had grown to become the second largest film industry by output in the world. In the end, the winning team went home with the trophy. Medals were given to the players as well as cash prizes to the participating schools and teams.
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The speech by the NDLEA boss, Brig. Gen. Marwa (Rtd), who came in person with a full paraphernalia drew metaphoric parallels between football and life’s struggles. “Football teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience and determination. While football is being played, every pass, every goal and every victory is the result of focus and commitment. Similarly, in life, our youths are constantly faced with choices: whether to stay on the path of discipline or to fall into the dangerous trap of drug abuse.” Marwa noted that, “Just as one reckless foul can cost a team a match, one poor choice to experiment with drugs can destroy dreams, ruin careers and even cut short lives.” He commended the pharmaceutical firm for creatively using football tournament and KODA project to raise public awareness on the dangers of drug abuse, and charged the youths to strive to maintain drug-free lifestyles.
Setting the tone of the event, the managing director of RichyGold International and convener of KODA, Mr. Jude Ejike Onwusonye, who spoke through his daughter, Chimamanda Onwusonye noted that he uses the sponsorship of football fiesta to dissuade the youths from drug abuse and made a clarion call to parents for intentional engagement of the youths for a secured, productive, and brighter future. According to him, “Drugs don’t belong where champions are…the future is very bright when you choose the right path. Drugs neither make you stronger, healthier nor free you but they entangle you in chains.” He was particularly worried that the girl-child has joined the fray of drug abuse. The FCT Mandate Secretary for Education who was represented by the Director of Special Duties commended the strategy of targeting the young minds in school environment as in her words, “school children are highly exuberant and impressionable.”
Quite instructively, the solidarity message from the president of National Association of Northern Students, Mr. Ibrahim Isah Adamu brought out a more informative dimension to the effects of drug abuse. It really takes someone that mingle with the youths to understand what they go through. Though Mercy Corps had identified drug abuse as a conflict accelerant in northcentral Nigeria, Isah’s illuminating speech was hard-hitting. He noted that, “Drug abuse has severe consequences on students’ academic performance. It leads to decreased grades, increased absenteeism, and drop-out rates. Students struggling with substance abuse often experience cognitive impairment, memory loss, and decreased attention span, making it challenging for them to reach their full potential.” Beyond the intellectual drawback, he observed that, “Socially, drug abuse strains relationships, leads to isolation, and damages reputations…Emotionally, drug abuse causes anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Students may experience emotional turmoil, leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.” He therefore called for a multifaceted approach to end drug abuse which drains the latent national manpower pipeline.
Indeed, what RichyGold has done is exemplary. It is a mark of good corporate citizenship. And as Nigeria is buffeted by myriad of problems, it takes those with social conscience to open their wallets and intervene. Therefore, NDLEA has a responsibility to escalate this KODA initiative across the country. On the other hand, government must find a way to support corporate organizations that are helpful in public causes.
