The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Tuesday urged traditional rulers across the 44 local government areas of Kano State to intensify support for ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse in the state.
Sanusi, represented by the Dankadan Kano and District Head of Shanono, Dr. Bashir Mohammad, made the call at the opening of a three-day stakeholders’ summit on drug abuse held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
He said drug abuse posed a serious threat to the dignity of the people and the moral foundations that had held communities together for generations.
“Drug abuse is not merely a social problem; it is a direct assault on the dignity of our society, the strength of our families, and the moral fabric that has sustained Kano for centuries,” he said.
The emir said the loss of any young person to drugs represented a destroyed dream and a broken future, adding that traditional rulers must rise to the challenge with firm, compassionate and unyielding resolve.
He said the state’s forefathers built systems anchored on accountability, mentorship and communal responsibility, which helped shape discipline and good character in society.
“We must bring back these values — not as relics of the past, but as tools for building a safer and more resilient Kano,” he added.
Sanusi reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano Emirate Council to ongoing campaigns against drug abuse, especially among the youth.
“We will continue to lend our voices, our platforms and our leadership to ensure that this fight is won, and that the youth of Kano find purpose, discipline and dignity once again,” he said.
He described the summit, themed “Strength in Unity: Advancing Collective Action Against Drug Abuse in Kano State,” as timely, noting that addressing drug abuse required joint action by security agencies, community leaders, medical experts and religious institutions.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Kano Reformative Centre, Cherly Aminta Kwagga, said the summit was organised to confront what she described as one of the most pressing challenges affecting the state.
She said the centre’s mission went beyond awareness creation to include rehabilitation, reintegration, advocacy and community transformation.
