PMAN, NDLEA partner to fight drug abuse among musicians

The Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight drug abuse among its members and youths.

Speaking on their partnership on Tuesday at PMAN’s headquarters in Lagos, Mohammed Buba Marwa, the NDLEA chairman, lamented the rate of drug abuse among musicians and young Nigerians.

He said musicians should instead use their fame and influence to send a strong message to the youth on the dangers of abusing drugs.

“You have a long reach and influence on the youths. Most youths also look up to you as a role model. And role modeling usually involves them trying to copy. It is time for NDLEA and PMAN to collaborate and fight this war together,” he said.

“PMAN as an organisation is against the use of drugs. Unfortunately, some of its members seem to encourage the use of drugs. Sometimes, they make it sound like the use of drugs facilitates success and they make it seem like if you do not use it, you have not arrived.

“Please get a strong message across to the membership of PMAN to encourage youths to stay away from drugs because it is dangerous. Some of the members use drugs. We in the NDLEA are ready to support the organisation with the use of blood tests and facilities under our command.”

On his part, Pretty Okafor, the chairman of PMAN, also advised artistes that they could become the likes of Wizkid and Burna Boy without taking drugs.

“We want to try as much as possible to disabuse the minds of musicians and youths from drugs,” he said.

“You can be a Wizkid, Wande Coal, Burna Boy or whoever you want to be without taking drugs.”