North West Launches Intensive Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Domestic Violence

In a serious move to combat drug abuse and domestic violence, stakeholders from across the North West Zone have gathered in Kaduna for the official flag-off of a Four-Month intensive sensitization campaign.

 

READ ALSO:Imo govt launches anti-drug campaign for youth

 

The event which is themed as “Stopping Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” took place at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna, draws from all spheres including: Government officials, Civil society organizations (CSOs), Traditional Leaders, and Members of the press.

 

The campaign, spearheaded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), underscores the growing concerns over drug addiction and domestic violence in the region.

 

The Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.), lay emphasizes on the agency’s commitment in reducing illicit drug consumption in the country, especially in the regions which recorded higher data.

 

He highlighted the alarming statistic that one in seven Nigerians is engaged in drug abuse, with Cannabis, Codeine, and Tramadol being the most commonly abused substances.

 

According to him “Drug abuse is not just a problem of the North West; it affects every segment of society. Tackling this menace requires collective responsibility—parents, clergymen, traditional leaders, and society must all work together to prevent and control drug abuse.”

 

He noted also while commending the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Director General of NOA Mallam Lanre Issa for their efforts in organizing the campaign.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Host, Kaduna State Governor, the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr Aisha Sadiq, stressed the urgent need in addressing domestic violence.

 

She pointed out that many victims of substance abuse in rehabilitation centers are women who have been exposed to sedatives due to domestic abuse.

 

Aisha explained that “We live in a society that normalizes torture and violence. It is important to recognize that violence is not love, abuse is not love, and subjugation is not love.

 

She also added that “We urge Kaduna State citizens to make use of our rehabilitation centers, which provide Counseling, Skills acquisition, and Rehabilitation services.”

 

In his key note, Speaker of the House of Representatives and convener of the event, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, expressed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence in the North West, stating that it has led to severe trauma among victims.

 

He however assured that the government has introduced reforms and reinforced counseling units under the Ministry of Women Affairs to support victims.

 

The event was marked by Colourful Cultural performances and traditional dance displays, which symbolises unity in the fight against drug abuse and domestic violence.

 

With this campaign, stakeholders are optimistic that increased awareness and coordinated efforts will lead to a significant reduction in drug abuse and domestic violence across the North West Zone and in Nigeria as a whole.