The Kano State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced plans to collaborate with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited to combat drug abuse in the state, using traditional sports as a vehicle for public sensitization.

 

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.

 

The decision followed a courtesy visit by the King of Traditional Boxing (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), Bashir Muhammad-Danliti, and his team to the NDLEA office in Kano. The engagement is one of several activities ahead of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26.

 

Speaking during the visit, the NDLEA Strategic Commander, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, represented by the Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Maimuna Garba, said the partnership would focus on using traditional boxing (dambe) to engage young people and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

 

He praised Jamilu Uba-Adamu, Officer in Charge of Sports, for his innovative use of sports as a medium for drug prevention advocacy, and expressed gratitude to the Mazaje group for its initiative in supporting the campaign.

 

“The collaboration will feature sensitisation activities and sporting events to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and encourage affected individuals to seek support,” Idris-Ahmad stated.

 

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with community-based organisations and traditional institutions to promote a drug-free society.

 

“As we approach the UNODC Day, the NDLEA Strategic Command calls on all stakeholders and members of the public to support this initiative. Together, we can create a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse and promote a culture of wellness and resilience in our communities,” he added.

 

In his remarks, Muhammad-Danliti commended the NDLEA for its commitment to the anti-drug campaign and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation between the two organisations.

 

“A lot of crimes are committed under the influence of drugs,” he said. “We will continue to work with the agency to address the root causes of drug abuse and prevent its spread in Kano State.”