The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command has announced a partnership with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited, a boxing group, to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse in Kano State.
This collaboration was revealed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Mr. Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, on Saturday, following a courtesy visit by the King of Traditional Boxing (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), Bashir Muhammad-Danliti, and his team to the NDLEA office in Kano.
Leveraging Traditional Sports for Awareness
The initiative is part of activities leading up to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26. The NDLEA Strategic Commander, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, explained that the partnership aims to engage youths through traditional sports, particularly the popular dambe (traditional boxing), to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.
Represented by the Head of the NDLEA Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Maimuna Garba, Idris-Ahmad expressed gratitude to the Mazaje group for their support. He also praised the Officer in Charge of Sports, Jamilu Uba-Adamu, for using sports as a creative platform to educate the public on drug prevention.
Community Engagement and Sensitization
The collaboration will include sensitization programs and sporting events designed to inform communities about the risks of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help. Idris-Ahmad reiterated the agency’s dedication to working with community-based organizations and traditional institutions to address this pressing issue across Kano State.
He urged stakeholders and the public to support this initiative, stating, "Together, we can create a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse and promote a culture of wellness and resilience in our communities."
Strengthening Ties to Combat Crime
During the visit, Muhammad-Danliti emphasized the need for a deeper partnership between his group and the NDLEA. He commended the agency for its relentless efforts in curbing drug abuse in the state and highlighted the link between drug use and crime. "A significant number of crimes are committed under the influence of drugs," he noted, pledging to work with the NDLEA to address the root causes and prevent the spread of drug abuse.
This partnership marks a significant step toward engaging local communities in Kano State, using culturally relevant platforms like traditional sports to deliver life-changing messages.
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