The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has commended Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for his exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

The Alaafin made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, where he lauded Marwa’s public service achievements and highlighted the long-lasting impact of his initiatives on communities across Nigeria. During the visit, Oba Owoade specifically recalled the “Keke Marwa” initiative, a widely recognized transportation program introduced during Marwa’s tenure as Lagos State military governor between 1996 and 1999. The initiative, which popularized the commercial tricycle as a convenient and affordable mode of transportation, remains a defining legacy of Marwa’s governance and innovative approach to urban mobility. The Alaafin described Marwa as a “consistent performer” whose policies and programs have left a lasting imprint on both urban and rural communities. Speaking on broader societal issues, the Alaafin emphasized the need for closer collaboration between traditional institutions and federal agencies like the NDLEA to tackle pressing social challenges, particularly drug abuse and youth delinquency. He noted that traditional rulers, given their influence and proximity to grassroots communities, have a critical role to play in shaping societal norms and promoting public welfare initiatives. In response, Marwa highlighted the urgent need to intensify advocacy against drug abuse, especially among Nigeria’s youth, warning that substance misuse not only undermines individual potential but also fuels insecurity, violent crime, and social instability. He urged religious and traditional leaders to partner with the NDLEA in creating awareness programs, community outreach initiatives, and rehabilitation schemes aimed at curbing the menace of illicit drugs. Marwa’s leadership at the NDLEA was recently strengthened when President Bola Tinubu reappointed him for another five-year term, extending his tenure through 2031. The reappointment is widely regarded as a vote of confidence in his performance, reflecting the government’s satisfaction with his proactive strategies in combating drug trafficking and promoting national security. Following his reappointment, Marwa pledged to adopt a firmer stance against drug barons and traffickers, while simultaneously scaling up preventive and rehabilitative measures to address the root causes of drug abuse in Nigerian society. The Alaafin’s visit also provided an opportunity for NDLEA officials and former directors to express their support for Marwa’s renewed mandate. They lauded his dedication, highlighting several landmark achievements under his leadership, including successful nationwide anti-drug campaigns, coordinated enforcement actions against narcotics networks, and enhanced international collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Marwa’s tenure has been marked not only by enforcement but also by community engagement and empowerment programs. Initiatives such as the rehabilitation of drug users, youth outreach, and education campaigns have helped position the NDLEA as a proactive agent of social transformation, extending its influence beyond enforcement into public health and community development. The visit, widely covered in both traditional and digital media, underscores the growing recognition of Marwa’s legacy — both as a public servant who initiated transformative urban programs and as a law enforcement leader addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. With support from the Alaafin and other stakeholders, Marwa is poised to continue leveraging his experience, influence, and strategies to shape a stronger, more resilient society.