Northern Pulse: Speaker, NOA join forces against drug abuse, domestic violence in Northwest

By Abbas Bamalli

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have launched a campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence in the Northwest.

Malam Lanre Issa-onilu, the Director General (DG) of NOA disclosed this during a visit to the Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman at his palace on Monday.

Represented by Mr David Akoji, Director of Special Duties and State Operations, Issa-onilu said the campaign was designed to address the growing challenges of drug abuse and domestic violence, particularly among young people in the region.

He explained that the campaign had earlier been launched in Kaduna State, adding that Katsina was the next destination in the regional initiative.

According to him, the delegation visited the palace to seek the support of traditional institutions, whose influence could help mobilise communities and promote awareness of the dangers of the two social vices.

“After this visit to the palace, we will visit religious leaders to solicit their support and collaboration in sensitising youths against drug abuse and violence,” he said.

Issa-onilu said activities lined up for the campaign included town hall meetings in Katsina and Daura, stakeholder engagements and roadshows to educate residents and encourage community participation.

He added that a roadshow would also be organised in Daura to expand the campaign’s reach and strengthen public engagement.

The DG said the initiative aimed to reduce drug abuse among young people and discourage violence that threatened peaceful coexistence and national development.

He said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), a partner in the campaign, would educate participants on commonly abused substances and their harmful effects on health, livelihoods and society.

Issa-onilu also emphasised the need to sensitise residents to the consequences of violence and encourage them to reject practices that threatened peace and security.

He, however, urged people affected by drug abuse not to lose hope, saying the NDLEA had rehabilitation centres where they could access treatment and support.

“We are saying to those already affected that all hope is not lost. They should voluntarily present themselves at the rehabilitation centres for treatment so that they can become useful to themselves, their families and society at large,” he said.

Issa-onilu called for collective action by traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders and relevant government agencies to address drug abuse and domestic violence.

Responding on behalf of the Emir, the Kauran Katsina and District Head of Rimi, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir, commended the initiative.

Abdulkadir said the Katsina Emirate Council was ready to provide the necessary support to combat drug abuse, describing the problem as a serious concern to the traditional institution.

He said the Emir, as the Grand Patron of the NDLEA in Katsina State, had been playing a vital role in efforts to build a society free of drug abuse.

In a separate engagement, Sheikh Yakubu Musa, the Katsina State Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), urged the government to intensify efforts to address drug abuse and domestic violence.

Musa warned that without stronger commitment and sustained action, the problems could escalate, raising concerns about the potential consequences for the quality of future leadership.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Father Richar Shuaibu-Liti, represented by Assistant Secretary, Apostle Tunde Faise, assured support of religious leaders.

According to him, the campaign is for all, because once a child is affected, it affects the society, saying that the issue is a serious menace that needed serious attention.

NAN