The Coalition of NGOs Against Drug Abuse (CONADA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State chapter, on Friday organised a road walk in Kano to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The awareness walk, led by the Executive Director of LESPADA, Amb. Maryam Hassan, started from Maiduguri Road and ended at the Kano State Government House.
Participants, including civil society organisations, journalists, youth groups, government agencies and anti-drug advocates, called for stronger collaboration to tackle substance abuse.
Speaking during the event, Hassan described the increasing rate of drug abuse among young people as alarming.
“The prevalence of substance abuse among our youths is becoming increasingly worrisome. It is a challenge that demands coordinated efforts from all stakeholders if we are to secure the future of our society,” she said.
She commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for constituting the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and praised the appointment of two CONADA members—Amb. Maryam Hassan of LESPADA and Hajiya Maryam RD Muhammad—to the committee.
“The inclusion of women journalists in the task force acknowledges the vital role the media plays in creating public awareness and mobilising communities against drug abuse,” Hassan added.
She urged parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, as well as government agencies, to intensify efforts towards preventing substance abuse and supporting the rehabilitation of affected persons.
Among organisations that participated in the road walk were LESPADA, NACCRAN, YOSPIS, Widi-Jalo Foundation, YAADAI, IYECF, TAFTA, Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, Visionary Women for Empowerment and Humanitarian Foundation (VWEHF), Martaba FM, Premier Radio, NEMA, SEMA, WADA, Kuru Reformatory Centre, the Kano State Government and NAWOJ.
