By Nworisa Michael
Stakeholders across Kano State have renewed their commitment to tackling the rising challenge of drug abuse as the state hosted a three-day summit themed “Strength in Unity.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of LESPADA, Ambassador Maryam Hassan, raised fresh concerns over the alarming rate at which young people are experimenting with dangerous substances. Recent figures, she noted, indicate that more than one in four youths in Kano has had contact with illicit drugs ranging from codeine mixtures and tramadol to rohypnol and other harmful concoctions now circulating across communities.
Ambassador Hassan commended the Kano State Government for revitalizing the Kiru Reformatory Centre and strengthening its collaboration with key agencies such as the NDLEA and NAFDAC. However, she stressed that government efforts alone are not enough and called for stronger partnerships with NGOs and community actors who work at the grassroots.
LESPADA (League for Societal Prevention Against Drug Abuse) the organization she leads has long been recognized for its consistent frontline work in combating drug and substance abuse across Kano State. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the top two most active and influential organizations driving community-based prevention and rehabilitation advocacy in the state.
Through its education campaigns, sensitization programmes, school engagements, and direct support for rehabilitation, LESPADA has recorded notable impact. Still, the organization continues to face challenges such as inadequate transportation for outreach and limited resources for producing Hausa-language educational materials.
Amb. Hassan called on the state government to establish a Community Anti-Drug Mobilization Fund, and encouraged private sector partners, traditional rulers, and civil society to intensify support for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation initiatives.
The summit brought together government officials, traditional institutions, security agencies, and civil society groups all united in their determination to protect the future of Kano’s youth and curb the growing menace of drug abuse.