As the world commemorates the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, civil society organizations in Kano State have called on government, parents, religious leaders, teachers and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The appeal was made on Friday during the “My Voice Against Drugs Walk”, a public awareness campaign organized by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World in collaboration with the Coalition of NGOs, Kano, to mark the annual event designated by the United Nations (UN) to promote global action against drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.
The awareness walk brought together members of various civil society organizations, youth groups and anti-drug advocates who marched through parts of Kano, urging young people to reject drug abuse and embrace positive values.
Speaking during the event, Maryam Muhammad, a representative of an organization working against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State, described substance abuse as one of the greatest threats facing young people today.
She said the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths has contributed to rising insecurity, school dropouts, criminal activities and social instability, stressing that the responsibility of addressing the challenge should not be left to government alone.
“The fight against drug abuse requires collective action. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, community organizations and the government must work together to protect our young people from the devastating effects of drugs,” Maryam Muhammad said.
Also speaking, Ladidi Adamu Abdullahi emphasized the importance of continuous public sensitization, noting that sustained awareness campaigns remain one of the most effective ways of preventing drug abuse among young people.
In her remarks, Aisha Haruna Kabuga, representing the Child Rights Protection Organization, said children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable to exploitation by drug traffickers. She urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing and social environment.
Similarly, Maryam Hassan called on governments, development partners and civil society organizations to invest more in prevention programmes, rehabilitation services and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing drug abuse and helping recovering addicts reintegrate into society.
The organizers reiterated that the annual commemoration serves as a reminder that combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires sustained cooperation among governments, security agencies, civil society organizations and communities.
