Marwa Calls on Traditional Rulers to Help Protect Girls from Drug Abuse.

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has called on Nigeria’s traditional rulers to work more closely with government agencies and civil society organisations to protect girls from drug abuse, child marriage, and other social challenges threatening their future.

Marwa made the appeal on Saturday in Kaduna during the public presentation of “In The Shadow of the Neem Tree,” a book written by his daughter, Mariam Marwa-Abdu, a lawyer and founder of the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF).

Speaking at the event, the NDLEA chairman said poverty, gender-based violence, inadequate education, and social neglect continue to expose many girls and young women to drug abuse, exploitation, and other forms of vulnerability.

According to him, protecting the girl-child is essential to building stronger families, safer communities, and a healthier society.

“Advocacy like Mariam’s is the first line of defence. We cannot leave this battle to government agencies or non-governmental organisations alone,” Marwa said.

He urged traditional institutions across the country to play a more active role in changing harmful cultural practices that limit opportunities for girls.

Marwa specifically appealed to respected traditional leaders, including the Emir of Zazzau, to champion campaigns that promote girls’ education, safety, and empowerment.

“We need the partnership of our revered traditional institutions, led by custodians of culture like His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to shift the cultural paradigm. We must protect our daughters, educate them, and give them the wings to fly,” he added.

He praised the author for using her legal expertise and advocacy platform to address pressing social issues affecting women and children, while encouraging Nigerians to amplify the book’s message across communities.

Author Mariam Marwa-Abdu said In The Shadow of the Neem Tree reflects years of advocacy through the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), which focuses on protecting vulnerable women and children and advancing their rights.

She explained that the publication is intended to inspire conversations around gender equality, child protection, and the empowerment of girls.

Representing the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the District Head of Basawa, Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, expressed optimism that the book would contribute to national development by encouraging greater awareness of the challenges facing women and children.

The event brought together traditional leaders, legal practitioners, government officials, and advocates for women’s and children’s rights, reinforcing growing calls for community-based efforts to tackle drug abuse, child marriage, and gender inequality.