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The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has kicked off the 2025 DEPOWA Inter-Secondary Schools Competition, a four-week sports-based programme designed to curb the rising tide of drug abuse among Nigerian teenagers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, said the initiative, themed “Live Free, Stay Clean”, aims to empower secondary school students to live drug-free lives through sports, awareness campaigns, and positive lifestyle choices.
The programme will run every Thursday for four weeks, culminating in a grand finale on October 16, 2025.
“The rising cases of substance abuse among teenagers in Nigeria—especially with easy access to cannabis, codeine, inhalants, and other psychoactive substances—are deeply concerning,” Mrs. Musa said. “As a society, we have a responsibility to protect, guide, and support our youth to navigate adolescence safely and in good health.”
Mrs. Musa praised the NDLEA for its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign and its rehabilitation efforts, which have seen over 3,453 individuals rehabilitated across 30 centres nationwide.
She expressed optimism that DEPOWA and NDLEA would strengthen their collaboration, particularly within schools, military, and police barracks.
Mrs. Musa also extended appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for her guidance and support, describing her as a “motherly inspiration and a source of strength.”
The DEPOWA President commended her husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, for his unwavering support, as well as the Service Chiefs, Presidents of NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA, and other stakeholders for their partnership in the fight against drug abuse.
Mrs. Musa emphasized the importance of sports in molding young people, noting that it instills teamwork, resilience, discipline, and other life skills that deter youths from engaging in harmful habits. “Together, we can make a lasting impact and help our youth live healthy, drug-free lives,” she said.
In his keynore address, the Special Guest of Honour, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), called on parents and guardians to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children against drug abuse by acquiring drug test kits for home use.
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Marwa described substance abuse as a “societal menace that destroys ambition, extinguishes hope, and robs young people of the bright future that rightfully belongs to them.”“Drug abuse is not just an individual tragedy; it is a national loss,” he said.
“Parents must remain close to their children, give them attention, and never ignore warning signs. It is better to detect drug use early, when intervention is possible, than to wait until it develops into full-blown addiction.”
The NDLEA boss commended DEPOWA for using sports as a platform to sensitise young people on the dangers of drug abuse, describing the initiative as both “visionary and timely.” He noted that sports play a vital role in instilling discipline, hard work, and integrity, while also serving as a powerful alternative to destructive behaviours.
Marwa, who shared personal memories of his youth as a sportsman, recalled his days playing hockey for the Nigerian Army team in the 1970s and 1980s, alongside the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, who was his team’s goalkeeper at the time.“These memories affirm the enduring power of sports in shaping discipline, resilience, and camaraderie,” he said.
He urged schools to establish drug-free clubs, assuring them of NDLEA’s full support in providing guidance and resources to promote a drug-free culture among young people.
“To our dear students, use sports as a healthy outlet, build resilience, and stay drug-free. Saying no to drugs is saying yes to your future,” Marwa advised.
The NDLEA boss officially declared the competition open, wishing all participating schools success and encouraging the athletes to embrace sportsmanship, determination, and joy.
The event drew students, teachers, parents, and dignitaries from across the Federal Capital Territory, marking the beginning of several days of competitions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and discouraging drug abuse among teenagers.
Key sponsors and partners of the competition include the Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative, Coca-Cola Checkers, Future International Initiative, ODA, Live Free Renewal Centre, David Falaremi Foundation, and One Boss Foundation, among others.
The DEPOWA Inter-Secondary Schools Competition is part of the association’s broader mission to promote the welfare of military and police families while addressing social challenges, including drug abuse, that threaten the wellbeing of young Nigerians.
