Adekunle Gold, Burna Boy, and others are criticized by the NDLEA chairman for extolling drug use

Nigerian musicians who promote drug usage in their songs have come under fire, according to Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Ret.), chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Marwa expressed her regret over how popular drug-related song lyrics have grown among young people, adding how they have led them to view drug usage as a “great idea of leisure” as a result.

This was addressed by the NDLEA chairman, who was represented by Dr. Segun Oke, during the second Vanguard Mental Health Summit, which took place in Lagos on Thursday and had as its theme “Mental Health in a Distressed Economy.”

10.6 million Nigerians smoke cannabis, according to Marwa, who claims that drug addiction is a “severe” issue in the nation.

He said that the organization had kept up its efforts to put policies in place to reduce drug and substance misuse in the nation.

Young people’s “high syndrome” is so pervasive that it has evolved into a form of self-prescribed therapy for coping with some of life’s problems. It represents the big concept of leisure for some. It is a common phrase in their vocabulary and a musical tune. I can think of three popular songs right away that promote abusing psychoactive substances in the name of “getting high.”

“I simply want to be high,” “I need Igbo and Shayo,” and “Sometimes food don’t make a man happy,” but when a Canadian voice is loud, it feels different. Young people are inspired to abuse alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances by these street anthems. Young people organizing cannabis parties is becoming routine, he claimed.

Marwa commended Vanguard Newspapers for organizing the summit and emphasized how complacency, apathy, and quiet have all led to the surge in drug abuse in the nation.

We got to where we are now because of the past’s quiet, inactivity, and complacency. Every attempt to remedy the situation at this point, including this summit, is therefore encouraged and admirable. However, it is most crucial that these efforts be consistent and sustained.