NOA seeks Zazzau Emirate support to curb drug abuse, domestic violence
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has sought the support of the Zazzau Emirate Council in tackling drug abuse and domestic violence, particularly among young people in Kaduna State.
Issa-Onilu made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of a weeklong sensitisation campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence being implemented by the NOA in partnership with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The NOA director-general said traditional institutions were critical to addressing social vices at the grassroots because of their proximity to communities and influence among residents. He said their involvement could strengthen early intervention, counselling, rehabilitation and sustained public awareness.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to protect young people and families from the effects of drug abuse and domestic violence.
The Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government Council, Jamil Ahmad Muhammad Jaga, who hosted the NOA delegation, also accompanied Issa-Onilu on visits to the Zazzau Emirate Council and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Zaria Area Command. In his address, Jaga said collective action was needed to protect families, empower young people and safeguard the future of society.
Responding, the Emir expressed concern over the prevalence of drug abuse in parts of the Zaria area, disclosing that some locations had become redistribution hubs for hard drugs trafficked to surrounding satellite towns. He pledged the emirate’s support for the campaign and stressed the need for cooperation among government agencies and community structures.
At the NDLEA Zaria Area Command in Gwargwaje, the delegation met with the Zaria Area Commander, Nuhu Ahmed, to strengthen collaboration on efforts to tackle drug abuse. The engagement focused on the threat posed by drug abuse to public health, family stability, youth development and community security.
The engagements formed part of the broader Kaduna sensitisation campaign by the NOA’s Abuse, Rights and Narcotics Department, which seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and domestic violence while promoting responsible behaviour, peaceful families and safer communities.
