The Coalition of NGOs Against Drug Abuse (CONADA) on Friday organized a road walk in Kano to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, bringing together key stakeholders to raise awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.
The awareness walk commenced from Maiduguri Road and terminated at the Kano State Government House, with participants calling for stronger collaboration in tackling the growing challenge of drug abuse, particularly among young people.
The event attracted civil society organizations, journalists, youth groups, government agencies, anti-drug advocates, and development partners, all united in promoting a drug-free society.
Speaking during the event, Ambassador Maryam Rabiu Muhammad, Executive Director of the Indigent Youth Education and Care Foundation (IYECF), described the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths as alarming. She noted that despite sustained interventions by government, religious institutions, and civil society organizations, the desired impact has remained limited.
She commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for establishing the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, describing the initiative as a significant step towards addressing the menace. Ambassador Maryam also applauded the appointment of Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA and Hajiya Maryam Rabiu Muhammad, Executive Director of IYECF, as members of the committee.
She further called on parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, community-based organizations, and relevant government agencies to strengthen preventive measures against substance abuse while supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of affected individuals.
Organizations that participated in the road walk included IYECF, LESPADA, NACCRAN, YOSPIS, Widi-Jalo Foundation, YAADAI, TAFTA, Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, Visionary Women for Empowerment and Humanitarian Foundation (VWEHF), Martaba FM, Premier Radio, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), WADA, Kuru Reformatory Centre, the Kano State Government, and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The road walk formed part of activities marking the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reinforcing the need for collective action to prevent drug abuse and promote healthier, safer communities.
