The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe has called for action against substance abuse, describing it as a growing threat to Nigeria’s human capital, security, and national development.
Hadiza said this at the Kaduna Youth and Students Forum, a key component of the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW), with the theme: “From Vulnerability to Productivity: Addressing Substance Abuse Through Youth Engagement.”
She urged young people to reject drug use and embrace discipline, resilience, and productivity.
The Deputy Governor expressed concern over rising drug abuse statistics, citing national data.
“There is a monster in our midst. It does not respect your CV, your religion or your dreams. According to the National Drug Use Survey, 14.3 million Nigerians are currently trapped in drug abuse. These are not just numbers. They are friends, siblings, parents,” she noted.
Hadiza linked substance abuse to broader societal challenges, including crime and insecurity.
“When you see mindless acts of violence, in almost every case, the perpetrator was high or impaired by drugs. No nation can experience growth and prosperity when its vital productive segment is wasted”, she said.
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Reflecting on personal experience, she drew parallels between past generations and today’s youth.
“Some of us sitting here today were once like you—faced with the same temptations and pressures. Some succumbed and are no longer in boardrooms or halls like this. But many of us resisted, and today we are productive citizens contributing to nation-building”, Hadiza explained.
The Deputy Governor further urged students to choose discipline over destruction, saying that; “You can either be masters of your minds or slaves of a substance. Refuse to be vulnerable. Choose productivity.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku emphasised that success is a matter of choice and association.
He encouraged students to model successful leaders, praising the Deputy Governor as an example of disciplined growth and leadership.
A Driving Force
In a similar vein, the Pan-African Parliament Ambassador for Food Security, and Chief Executive Officer of Elpasso Farms, South Africa, Dr. Brylyne Chitsunge called on young people in Nigeria to take ownership of agriculture, describing them as the driving force of Africa’s food security future.
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Dr Chitsunge emphasised that agriculture is no longer limited to traditional farming but now includes science, technology, logistics, and business innovation.
She said; “Farming is not just about being dirty on the farm. We need you in logistics, soil science, water management, and even marketing. Without youth taking ownership of agriculture, we are nothing.
“We are talking about Agenda 2063, but how many of us will still be here then?. You who are young today will be the leaders of that future. The responsibility is yours.”
Addressing young women in particular, Dr Chitsunge encouraged greater participation in agribusiness. highlighted her role as Food Security Ambassador for the Pan-African Parliament, describing herself as a representative across the continent.
She said; “To the young girls here, this is your space too. This is what I want you to become. I serve as Food Security Ambassador for the Pan-African Parliament, the legislative body of the African Union. I am a citizen of all 55 countries, and I see among you future leaders who will take over these responsibilities.”
Dr. Chitsunge further called for collaboration between traditional leadership and modern agriculture, while encouraging youth engagement in productive ventures as a solution to substance abuse and unemployment.
Students were urged to become ambassadors of change in their communities, resist substance abuse and embrace opportunities in leadership, technology, and agriculture.