The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has commenced a four-day sensitisation campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence in Kaduna State.
The campaign, organised under the 2024 North-West Constituency Project of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, began on Wednesday, September 9, with a road show across major parts of Kaduna metropolis.
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The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, led the campaign alongside the Director of the Agency’s Abuse, Rights and Narcotics Department, Mrs Acharu Opaluwa, other management officials and staff from the NOA headquarters and Kaduna State Directorate.
The road show commenced at Leventis Roundabout and passed through Katsina Roundabout and Lagos Roundabout before returning to the starting point.
Personnel of the NDLEA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force and members of the National Youth Service Corps also participated in the exercise.
Speaking during the campaign, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the Agency was in Kaduna to engage young people and other members of the public on the dangers associated with drug abuse and domestic violence.
He described the two issues as interconnected social challenges capable of undermining individuals, families and communities.
The NOA Director-General urged residents to avoid substances that could destroy lives and contribute to criminality and violence, stressing that awareness messages against drug abuse must reach every segment of society.
He encouraged residents to extend the message to family members, friends and neighbours, as well as places of worship, markets, motor parks and other public spaces.
Mallam Issa-Onilu also urged families with members affected by substance abuse to seek professional assistance rather than abandon them, noting that the NDLEA operates rehabilitation facilities and that the NOA could assist in linking affected persons with appropriate support services.
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He explained that the road show was the first in a series of activities planned for the campaign, adding that the team would engage traditional, religious, community and market leaders, among other stakeholders, including the Emir of Zazzau.
The Director of NOA’s Abuse, Rights and Narcotics Department, Mrs Acharu Opaluwa, said the sensitisation campaign was designed to increase public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and domestic violence and encourage particularly young people to make responsible choices.
She called on individuals, families and communities to reject substance abuse and all forms of domestic violence, stressing that sustained public enlightenment remained critical to preventing their devastating consequences.
Also speaking, the NOA Director of Special Duties and State Operations, Mr David Akoji, described drug abuse as a serious menace requiring sustained awareness and collective action.
He said the campaign would deepen awareness among residents and encourage communities to take an active role in preventing substance abuse and its associated social consequences.
The Director of Community Safety Awareness and Compliance, Tessy Nnalue, said the campaign was particularly important given the prevalence of drug abuse among young people.
Similarly, the Director of Health at NOA, Dr Femi Ayoola, cautioned against the misuse of medications, including taking drug overdoses without medical guidance.
He advised residents to strictly follow doctors’ prescriptions and seek professional medical advice when using medicines.
For his part, the Head of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation of the NDLEA Kaduna State Command, ACN Shu’aibu Mohammed, identified the agency as a key stakeholder in efforts to sensitise the public on substance abuse.
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He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in preventing drug abuse, providing counselling and rehabilitation services and supporting affected persons.
The four-day campaign will continue with engagements involving traditional institutions, religious bodies, market associations and other critical stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening community awareness and promoting collective action against drug abuse and domestic violence in Kaduna State.