NDLEA Boss Commends Daughter’s Book ‘In The Shadow of the Neem Tree’ as Emir of Zazzau Backs Campaign
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for urgent measures to protect the girl-child against systemic vulnerabilities that push women and youth into drug abuse and exploitation.
Marwa made the call on Saturday, 11th July 2026 at the public presentation of a book, “In The Shadow of the Neem Tree”, authored by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu, in Kaduna.“
By protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation,” he stated.
CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
The NDLEA boss said the fight to protect the vulnerable cannot be left to government and NGOs alone, but must involve every stakeholder, especially traditional institutions.
“As Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, I see firsthand every day how poverty, abuse, and lack of education drive women and youth toward drug abuse and exploitation. Advocacy like Mariam’s is the first line of defence,” Marwa said.
“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.”
A FAMILY OF AUTHORS
Commending his daughter’s courage and intellect, Marwa described the book launch as a symbolic moment for his family.
“As a father, today holds a very special meaning for me. They say a fruit does not fall far from the tree. Mariam has proven that the roots of literacy and advocacy run deep in our family,” he said.
He noted that all four of his eldest children, all lawyers, are now published authors:
Abu – published on Amazon; Col. Mohamed Marwa – 3 books, co-authored 4th with him; Dr. Zainab – 2 books; and now Barr. Mariam.
“To see all four pick up the pen to fight societal ills is the greatest legacy a father could ask for. We have become practically a family of authors!”
THE BOOK: ‘IN THE SHADOW OF THE NEEM TREE’
According to Marwa, the book addresses the urgent issue of young girls forced into early marriage and its devastating consequences.
“The ‘Neem Tree’ is a common sight in our northern communities, providing shade. Yet, ironically, under some of these shades, silent traditional arrangements occur that eclipse the bright futures of our young daughters. Early marriage robs a girl of her childhood, education, health, and potential,” he said.
The author, Mrs. Mariam Marwa-Abdu, Founder of Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), said the book is a literary manifesto of her lifelong mission. She noted that through WCREF, founded in 2011, she has spent over a decade translating the book’s message into direct action.
EMIR OF ZAZZAU BACKS THE CAMPAIGN
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, represented by Architect Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, Barden Kerarriyan Zazzau and District Head of Basawa, expressed hope that the event would serve as “a springboard for individual and collective development.”
Conclusively, Marwa’s call underscores the link between social protection and drug prevention. With drug cartels increasingly targeting vulnerable girls and youths, the NDLEA boss believes that education, cultural reorientation, and strong family institutions remain the most effective shields.
As the book seeks to spark national conversation, stakeholders are urged to move beyond dialogue to concrete action that secures the future of the Nigerian girl-child.
SOURCE: Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Saturday, 11th July 2026