The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Betso Charity Foundation, the Adamawa State Government, and other stakeholders, has launched a two-day seminar aimed at curbing drug abuse and youth-related violence in the state.
The event, titled “Pathways to Peace,” opened in Yola, bringing together policymakers, development partners, and community leaders to discuss strategies for empowering young people and promoting lasting peace.
Held under the theme “Addressing Drug Misuse, Addiction, and Armed Violence in Adamawa State by Empowering Youth Through Life Skills and Psychosocial Support,” the programme seeks to equip participants with essential life skills and provide psychosocial support to strengthen community resilience.
Delivering the keynote address, the Adamawa State Coordinator of the NEDC, Barrister Khalifa Lawan, described drug abuse as a major threat to individual well-being and societal stability.
He warned that substance misuse fuels criminality and undermines social order, urging young people to resist peer pressure and embrace a drug-free lifestyle.
Lawan further encouraged participants to take advantage of the seminar to gain practical knowledge that would help them lead productive lives and contribute to the state’s development.
Representatives from partner organisations, including the Betso Charity Foundation and other non-governmental bodies, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth empowerment initiatives through mentorship, skills training, and psychosocial interventions.
The Pathways to Peace initiative is expected to strengthen community dialogue, promote self-reliance, and enhance peacebuilding efforts in Adamawa State.
Organisers say the programme marks a significant step in addressing the root causes of drug abuse and youth violence while fostering stability and sustainable development across the region.