The Coalition of NGOs Against Drug Abuse (CONADA) has pledged to strengthen efforts to combat drug abuse in Kano State while expanding its collaboration with organizations across Africa to address the growing challenge of substance abuse.
A delegation of the coalition, led by its Convener and Executive Director of the League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse (LESPADA), Ambassador Maryam Hassan, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Kano State Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimingado.
During the visit, the delegation congratulated Rimingado on his appointment and appreciated the inclusion of two CONADA members—Dr. Ambassador Maryam Hassan and Ambassador Maryam Muhammad—on the state task force. The coalition also pledged its full support for government efforts aimed at tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.
CONADA further briefed the Chairman on its forthcoming town hall meeting for 2,000 women, themed, “Enough Is Enough: Mothers Must Rid Kano of Drug Abuse Menace.” The event is designed to mobilize women, particularly mothers, to play a more active role in preventing substance abuse within families and communities.
Responding, Barrister Rimingado commended CONADA for its sustained advocacy and community-based interventions, assuring the coalition of the task force’s full support and collaboration in achieving a drug-free Kano.
In a related development, CONADA has received a letter of interest from the Improved Rural Areas Programme (IRAP), a non-governmental organization based in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, seeking partnership in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
In the letter, IRAP representative Peter Kuwar expressed admiration for CONADA’s work and indicated the organization’s willingness to join a continental network of groups working to combat drug abuse. IRAP, a legally registered NGO supported by Drug Free World, also shared information about its activities with the coalition.
Welcoming the proposed collaboration, Ambassador Maryam Hassan described it as a significant step toward strengthening cross-border efforts against substance abuse.
She said the partnership demonstrates that drug abuse is a global challenge requiring collective action, adding that collaboration would enable organizations across Africa to exchange knowledge, resources, and effective strategies to protect future generations.
CONADA reiterated its commitment to promoting advocacy, public education, and community engagement as key strategies for eliminating drug abuse and building safer communities.