As the world marks the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) has warned young girls, particularly in Kano State and across Northern Nigeria, to steer clear of drug abuse and other social vices.
The organisation instead urged them to embrace education, moral discipline, and strong community values as the foundation for personal and societal development.
In a statement to commemorate the day, the Executive Director of YOSPIS, Ms. Zainab Nasir Ahmad, described Kano as a “critical case study” in understanding the growing challenges confronting girls in the region — ranging from exposure to drug abuse to limited access to quality education.
“Kano represents both the promise and the future for the Nigerian girl child. While many girls in the state are excelling in education and leadership, a disturbing number are being lost to drug addiction, peer pressure, and social neglect. This trend demands urgent and collective action,” Ahmad said.
She expressed concern that drug abuse among young girls in urban and semi-urban communities of Kano and other parts of the North has become an emerging public health challenge, often driven by emotional distress, poor parental guidance, and negative peer influence.
The YOSPIS Director therefore called on parents, community leaders, and government agencies to intensify awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes, and rehabilitation initiatives to tackle the problem.
Ahmad also urged schools and religious institutions to incorporate life skills and drug education into their learning curricula, saying such steps are key to building a generation of disciplined and informed young women.
She noted that YOSPIS has continued to implement several advocacy and mentorship programmes across Kano and other northern states, focusing on girl-child education, reproductive health awareness, and leadership development.
“The future of our society depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today. Every girl deserves a chance to learn, lead, and live free from drugs and exploitation,” she added.
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11, seeks to highlight the rights of girls and the need to address the challenges they face while promoting their empowerment and participation in all spheres of life.