• June 13, 2023, 11:14 a.m.
• By

The Nigeria Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has joined forces with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) in an innovative initiative to utilize sports as a powerful tool to combat drug use among the youth. Focusing on universities and surrounding communities, this partnership aims to create awareness, education, and prevention programs that leverage the influence of sports to deter drug abuse. In a pivotal meeting held earlier this week, key representatives from both organizations convened to discuss the collaborative effort. Present at the meeting were the NUGA President, Mr. Emeka Ogbu; the Vice President, Dr. Bawa Mohammed; the Secretary, Chidiebere Ezeani; and Yunussa Bazza, NUGA ex-officio. Additionally, the Secretary of NDLEA, Barr. Shadrach Haruna, along with other agency directors, were in attendance to represent the Chairman of the organization, Brigadier General Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd). Barr. Haruna, speaking on behalf of the NDLEA, emphasized the agency's commitment to forging partnerships that strengthen preventive measures against drug use. He expressed his belief that sports offer a vital avenue to engage and educate the youth and therefore welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with NUGA in this critical endeavor. " "Our partnership with NUGA aligns with our vision of using every means possible to prevent drug use. By harnessing the power of sports, we aim to inspire the youth to make healthier choices and fulfill their potential." Barr. Haruna, Said The President of NUGA echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the dual career path that university sports provide for Nigeria's young population. Mr. Ogbu hailed the partnership as a great opportunity to empower the country's budding athletes while simultaneously addressing the issue of drug abuse.’ "The power of sports to transform lives and steer youth away from drug abuse is immeasurable. Through our partnership with the Nigeria Drug Enforcement Agency, NUGA is determined to use sports as a catalyst for positive change." NUGA is currently preparing its athletes for the upcoming World University Games in Chengdu, China, scheduled to take place from July 28 to August 8. The association has been actively seeking out relevant partners to facilitate this event and ensure Nigerian students have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage. Sports play a pivotal role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering discipline, teamwork, and personal development. Through this collaboration, NDLEA and NUGA seek to highlight the relativity of sports and drug avoidance. By engaging young athletes and their surrounding communities, the partnership aims to raise awareness about the adverse effects of drug use, inspire positive choices, and create a network of support to combat substance abuse. The NDLEA and NUGA partnership will leverage the platform of university sports to organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns centered around drug prevention. Athletes, coaches, students, and community members will be encouraged to actively participate and contribute to the fight against drug abuse. As the partnership between NUGA and NDLEA gains momentum, both organizations are committed to organizing awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and sports programs that instill a sense of responsibility, resilience, and determination among the youth. Together, NUGA and NDLEA are poised to ignite positive change and build a future where the potential of Nigeria's youth remains untarnished by the harmful effects of drugs.