The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development, and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria, is deeply honoured to announce Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), CON, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the keynote speaker at the forthcoming Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme on Responsible Reporting and Substance Abuse Prevention.
General Marwa is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public servants, military officers, administrators, diplomats, and anti-drug campaigners whose career of service spans more than five decades. Renowned for his visionary leadership, discipline, courage, and commitment to national development, he has made enduring contributions to governance, security, public administration, and the fight against substance abuse in Nigeria.
Born on September 9, 1953, in Kaduna, General Marwa received his early education across several parts of Nigeria before attending the prestigious Nigerian Military School, Zaria. He subsequently enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he underwent military training and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in June 1973.
Throughout his military career, he held several strategic command and staff appointments, including Brigade Major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma, Academic Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Defence Attaché, and Deputy Defence Adviser at Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad. His distinguished military service earned him widespread respect as a disciplined officer and strategic thinker.
A firm believer in continuous learning and leadership development, General Marwa pursued advanced studies in public policy and administration at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. He obtained a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, United States, and later earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, equipping him with the knowledge and global perspective that would shape his remarkable public service career.
In June 1990, General Marwa was appointed Military Governor of the old Borno State. During his tenure, he introduced far-reaching reforms and development initiatives, including the creation of the state’s first Ministry of Water Resources. His administration embarked on extensive infrastructure development projects and implemented innovative policies aimed at improving governance and public service delivery. His leadership during a period of cross-border security challenges further demonstrated his capacity for effective crisis management and public administration.
Following his successful service in Borno State, he served as Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy before returning to diplomatic service as Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
In August 1996, General Marwa was appointed Military Administrator of Lagos State, a position in which he recorded some of the most remarkable achievements in the state’s history. His administration launched the famous Operation 250 Roads, which transformed road infrastructure across Lagos and significantly improved transportation and mobility.
He revitalised public healthcare institutions, introduced free malaria treatment programmes, upgraded infrastructure in underserved communities, and implemented policies that protected tenants from arbitrary eviction. His administration also launched the highly successful Operation Sweep, a joint military-police security initiative that substantially reduced crime and restored public confidence in security across Lagos State.
Under his stewardship, Lagos witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development, prudent financial management, and improved public services. Remarkably, his administration achieved these feats without borrowing, while also handing over a substantial financial surplus at the end of his tenure. His outstanding performance earned him widespread public admiration and the prestigious Newswatch Man of the Year Award in 1997.
Following his retirement from military service, General Marwa continued to serve the nation in various capacities, bringing his wealth of experience in leadership, governance, diplomacy, and public administration to national development efforts.
In January 2021, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed him Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Since assuming office, General Marwa has led an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s foremost anti-narcotics agency.
Under his leadership, the NDLEA has recorded historic successes in the fight against drug trafficking, illicit drug production, and substance abuse. The agency has intercepted record quantities of illicit drugs, dismantled criminal drug networks, strengthened international partnerships, expanded rehabilitation and treatment programmes, and significantly increased public awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.
One of his most impactful contributions has been championing a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and public education. Through innovative campaigns, stakeholder engagement, school outreach programmes, and community-based interventions, he has helped reposition the national conversation on substance abuse as both a public health and security issue.
General Marwa’s exceptional leadership and contributions to national development have earned him numerous honours and recognitions. He is a recipient of the national honours of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He has also received several honorary doctorate degrees from leading Nigerian universities in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development, public administration, security, leadership, and national development.
Today, General Marwa is widely regarded as the face of Nigeria’s modern anti-drug campaign and one of Africa’s most respected voices on drug demand reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.
As Special Guest of Honour, he brings to this programme a wealth of experience in leadership, governance, national security, public policy, youth development, and substance abuse prevention. His presence underscores the importance of strategic collaboration between the media, government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse and promoting healthier communities.
Participants will have the rare opportunity to learn from a transformational leader whose life’s work continues to inspire service, integrity, discipline, and national development.
For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.
Media Contacts: Call: 08034499132; 08165322757 and 09034242439. Email:[email protected]
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