The Drug-Free Arewa Movement (DFAM) has issued a clarion call to Northern leaders to urgently unite in tackling the escalating menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the region.
The appeal was made by Ibrahim Yusuf, Lead Convener of DFAM, in his Eid-el-Kabir message delivered in Abuja on Friday.
Yusuf lamented the devastating impact of drug abuse across Northern Nigeria, highlighting its toll on sustainable development, public safety, mental health, and particularly the youth population.
“This epidemic is silently slaughtering the region’s future. It has crippled development, unleashed terrifying waves of social vices, worsened mental health crises, and left countless young people – our greatest asset – stranded, addicted, unemployed, and broken,” he said.
A Festival of Sacrifice – And a Time for Reflection
Congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the Eid celebration, Yusuf underscored the deeper significance of the Festival of Sacrifice, urging that it also be a time to reflect on urgent societal challenges.
“While we celebrate, we must not turn a blind eye to the growing devastation ravaging our region,” he noted.
DFAM’s Intervention and the Way Forward
Yusuf affirmed that DFAM is not merely raising alarm but is actively building hope through grassroots initiatives.
The organisation is working with communities, schools, families, religious institutions, and youth groups to champion drug demand reduction grounded in real-world experiences.
“We are creating pathways of transformation through policy advocacy, education, prevention programmes, and recovery support,” he explained.
He called on a wide range of stakeholders – including the Northern States Governors’ Forum and their spouses, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, parliamentarians, religious leaders, civil society groups, and families – to rise to their moral responsibility.
“Drug abuse knows no political, ethnic, or religious boundaries. It is a monster eating into every home, school, street, and place of worship,” Yusuf warned.
A Call to Action: Reclaiming the Future
Yusuf invoked the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other visionary Northern leaders, urging today’s leaders to rise with the same courage and sincerity of purpose.
“This is not the time for politics – it is the time for redemption. Enough of the empty talk. It is time for bold, decisive action,” he said.
He further urged:
- Return of out-of-school children to classrooms
- Establishment of fully functional rehabilitation and recovery centres
- Creation of economic and livelihood opportunities for young people
- Launch of robust school and community drug prevention programmes
Message to Youth: Say No to Drugs
Yusuf also addressed young people directly, warning that drug abuse is a slow killer, destroying dreams, families, and communities.
“To those already trapped in addiction: there is hope – recovery is possible, and DFAM is ready to walk with you. For those still free: guard your freedom, and never fall into the snare,” he said.
He concluded his message with a heartfelt prayer for peace, healing, and leadership:
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let this moment of sacrifice become a turning point.
“May Allah (SWT) guide our leaders, protect our youth, heal the afflicted, and rebuild our broken communities.
“May Northern Nigeria rise again – drug-free, purpose-driven, and prosperous.”