The Drug-Free Arewa Movement (DFAM) has issued an urgent appeal to Northern Nigerian leaders to unite against the growing epidemic of drug trafficking and substance abuse that is devastating the region's youth population.
In an Eid-el-Kabir message delivered on Friday in Abuja, DFAM Lead Convener Ibrahim Yusuf described the situation as a silent killer that is "slaughtering the future of the region" and called for immediate collective action.
A Call for Unified Response
While extending Eid greetings to Muslim faithful, Yusuf emphasized that the fight against drug abuse requires urgent attention from all stakeholders - including politicians, traditional rulers, legislators, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and families.
"This menace has paralyzed development and development opportunities, provided avenues for social vices, and mental health crises," Yusuf stated. "We are losing our youth—the greatest asset—to addiction, unemployment, and/or hopelessness."
Drug abuse does not discriminate based on ethnicity, politics, or religion... It is a monster that rides into the home, the school, the street and place of worship.
Beyond Advocacy to Action
Yusuf clarified that DFAM's work extends beyond mere advocacy. The organization is actively collaborating with communities, schools, and religious institutions to implement evidence-based substance demand reduction strategies across the region.
He specifically called on the Northern States Governors' Forum, their spouses, and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council to face the challenge head-on rather than avoiding responsibility.
Practical Solutions Proposed
The DFAM convener outlined several practical steps for stakeholders to consider:
Reintegration of out-of-school children
Construction of rehabilitation centers
Implementation of school-based drug prevention programs
Creation of genuine economic opportunities for youth
Yusuf also invoked the legacies of past Northern leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, urging the current generation to be inspired by their vision of unity and purpose.
In a direct message to young people, he stated: "Say no to drugs, it is a slow killer that steals your future and your peace. To those of you that are already addicted, you can quit! DFAM is here to help."
The appeal comes amid growing concerns about substance abuse in Northern Nigeria, with recent reports indicating that the region faces significant challenges in addressing drug addiction among its youth population.
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