Marwa calls for girl-child protection, seeks traditional rulers’ support against drug abuse

Emir of Zazzau expresses hope for positive change at book launch

By Kingsley Omonobi

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has called for stronger protection of the girl-child, saying addressing poverty, abuse and lack of education is critical to preventing drug abuse and exploitation among women and young people.

Marwa made the call on Saturday in Kaduna during the public presentation of In the Shadow of the Neem Tree, a book written by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu.

He said safeguarding the girl-child was essential to building stronger families and a more secure nation.

“By protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation,” he said.

Marwa stressed that efforts to protect vulnerable members of society should not be left to government and non-governmental organisations alone, but should involve all stakeholders, particularly traditional institutions.

“As Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, I see firsthand how systemic vulnerabilities such as poverty, abuse and lack of education drive women and young people towards drug abuse and exploitation.

“Advocacy is the first line of defence. We need the partnership of our revered traditional institutions, led by custodians of culture, to change harmful social norms. We must protect our daughters, educate them and give them opportunities to thrive,” he said.

He commended the author for using her legal background and writing to address social issues, urging Nigerians to ensure the message contained in the book reaches communities across the country.

Marwa also described the publication as a source of personal pride, noting that it made Mariam the fourth of his children to become a published author.

Speaking on the theme of the book, he said In the Shadow of the Neem Tree highlights the challenges associated with child marriage and its impact on the education, health and future of young girls.

According to him, the book draws attention to the need for society to confront practices that deny girls the opportunity to realise their full potential.

The author, Mariam Marwa-Abdu, founder of the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), said the book reflects her long-standing commitment to advancing the rights of women and children.

She noted that through her foundation, established in 2011, she has worked to promote the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups.

Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, who was represented by the District Head of Basawa, Architect Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, expressed optimism that the book would inspire positive social change and contribute to individual and community development.

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