The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State chapter, on Saturday joined the Coalition of NGOs Against Drug Abuse (CONADA) and other civil society organisations in a road walk to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, calling for stronger collective action to curb substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
The awareness march, which commenced from Maiduguri Road and terminated at the Kano State Government House, drew journalists, anti-drug advocates, civil society organisations and other stakeholders committed to the fight against drug abuse.
Participating organisations included LESPADA, NACCRAN, YOSPIS, Widi-Jalo Foundation, YAADAI, IYECF, TAFTA, Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, and the Visionary Women for Empowerment and Humanitarian Foundation (VWEHF), among others, underscoring the growing collaboration among stakeholders to address the menace.
Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Kano State, Bahijja Malam Kabara, expressed concern over the increasing rate of substance abuse among young Nigerians, describing the trend as a serious threat that requires urgent and coordinated intervention.
“The rate of substance abuse, particularly among young people, has reached alarming levels and requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders,” Kabara said.
She commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the constitution of the Kano State Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and related crimes.
Kabara also congratulated Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA and Hajiya Maryam Ardi Muhammad on their appointments to the task force, noting that their inclusion reflected the important role civil society organisations continue to play in combating substance abuse.
“We commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for constituting the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. We also congratulate Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA and Hajiya Maryam Ardi Muhammad on their well-deserved appointments.
“Their selection recognises the invaluable contributions of civil society organisations to the campaign against drug abuse and the promotion of safer communities,” she said.
The NAWOJ chairperson urged parents, government agencies, religious leaders, educational institutions and community-based organisations to work together to prevent drug abuse and support the rehabilitation of affected persons.
“We must not leave this responsibility to the government alone. Every segment of society has a role to play in protecting our youths from the dangers of illicit drugs,” she added.
She further emphasised the need for sustained public awareness campaigns and youth empowerment programmes, saying they remain critical to reducing the prevalence of drug abuse across the country.
Observed annually on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations in 1987 to strengthen global cooperation towards building societies free from drug abuse.
Despite sustained efforts, drug abuse continues to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, more than 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 use drugs, highlighting the urgent need for intensified prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
