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 said at the event in Abuja that lasting victory against the scourge of substance abuse could not be achieved solely through enforcement measures such as arrests and imprisonment.
Marwa said that the fight against substance abuse could only be won by tackling drug demand and addressing the ignorance that lured young people into addiction.
“And that is precisely why Clean Beat 91.5 FM was conceived. In a fast-evolving digital age, radio remains an incomparable asset. It is intimate. It is immediate.
“It bypasses barriers and speaks directly to the citizen in their living rooms, on their daily commutes, in the bustling marketplaces, and in the quiet moments of introspection,” he said.
The NDLEA boss said that the milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu.
Marwa said that the President had approved the budget for the station including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the National Broadcasting Commission who both approved the radio frequency.
He commended the international partners, and the dedicated team at the NDLEA who worked tirelessly to translate the vision into broadcast reality.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to you all. Your partnership proves that when we unite against a common threat, victory is inevitable.
“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth, this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement.
“Let us rewrite the story of our generation. Let us guard the health of our nation; and let us protect the rhythm of our future. Together, ladies and gentlemen, let us keep the beat clean”, the NDLEA boss pleaded.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Cheikh Touré, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, (UNODC), Country Representative commended Marwa for considering a radio platform as a viable tool for advocacy.
Toure who was represented by Dr Akanimo Ibanga said that the NDLEA had demonstrated its continued commitment to innovative and people-centred approaches.
This he said complemented enforcement efforts with education, advocacy, and dialogue through the initiative.
“Through this platform, NDLEA is taking the drug control message directly to the people, into homes, communities, schools, and streets.
“This initiative also aligns strongly with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) and reinforces the leadership of NDLEA in driving a balanced, health-oriented, and security-conscious approach to drug control in Nigeria”, he stated.
Also speaking, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu commended the agency’s leadership “under the visionary stewardship of Marwa for this remarkable initiative.
Ebuebu said that the establishment of Clean Beat 91.5 FM represented far more than the launch of another radio station.
He said that It represented the strategic deployment of broadcasting as an instrument of national orientation, behavioral change, youth engagement and social transformation.
“I am particularly encouraged by the station’s focus on youth engagement.
“Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world and our greatest long-term national investment must remain the protection, education and empowerment of our young people.
“The fight against substance abuse is therefore not simply a law enforcement responsibility. It is a national developmental imperative,” he added.
Similarly, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu who was represented by Mr. Bala Musa hailed the idea of the radio station as a platform to enhance positive attitudinal change and citizens reorientation.(NAN)
