NACOMYO National summit on drug abuse kicks off in Katsina

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) National Summit on Youth and Drug Abuse in Nigeria  commenced in Katsina yesterday with the theme, ‘Drugs Abuse: Workable Solution for now and future’. The two-day event holding at the auditorium of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, has participants from all over the country. Speaking at the […]

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) National Summit on Youth and Drug Abuse in Nigeria  commenced in Katsina yesterday with the theme, ‘Drugs Abuse: Workable Solution for now and future’.

The two-day event holding at the auditorium of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, has participants from all over the country.

Speaking at the opening session of the seminar, the state governor, Aminu Masari, said the state government is concerned over the ills of drug abuse in the state and working tirelessly to address the challenge.

Masari, who was represented by his Adviser on Narcotics, Hamza Brodo, said “the choice of the theme is timely and very relevant to today’s society. Youths are the future of any nation as the rightly guarded Khalifa of Islam Khalifa Abubakar Sadiq said; it is the strength of the youth and wisdom of the elders that are combined for the development of the society.”

He noted that the use of drugs had destroyed many lives and staggered the progress and development of society. Masari said “If we must succeed in the war against drug abuse, all hands must be on deck. Parents must work hard in training their children as most times problems of moral decadence starts from the family.  We should all be ready to face God and account on how we watch all those under us – be it children or wards.”

While commending the initiative, Masari said some of the efforts put in place in the state include the creation of an office of a Special Adviser on drugs, narcotics and human trafficking, establishment of rehabilitation centres and an initiated programme that goes door-to-door to pick out women engaged in drug abuse for rehabilitation and reintegration back into society under the ministry of women affairs.

“The administration is also working with other stakeholders such as NDLEA, to reduce the effects of drug abuse in the society. Our traditional rulers have been up and doing in efforts to curb drug abuse in the society,” he said.

A paper presented by Dr Tajudden Abiola, a consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro Hospital Kaduna titled ‘Drug abuse; workable Solution For now and Future’ highlighted the ills of drugs and ways out.

He noted that the age range of those who mostly engaged in illicit drugs in the country is between the ages of 15-64 years. Of this, 11.9 per cent come from the 3 zones of Northern Nigeria while 17.6 per cent are of the 3 zones in southern Nigeria.

He stated that most of the present legislation and enforcement methods are obsolete and also noted that traditional rehab centres are fast posing a challenge, so a clampdown is necessary.

In conclusion, Abiola said “The challenge is for all of us to roll back the scourge of addiction and addiction-related activities in the society. Together we are stronger,” he said

In his welcome address, NACOMYO National President Malam Sani Sulaiman said the summit intends to create a platform where the menace of drug abuse can be discussed to find a lasting solution.

He said “we began this summit because it affects youth and our society in general. The society is losing its potential future leaders through substance abuse.

“This summit is a springboard to bring professionals, religious and traditional leaders and youth leaders to brainstorm and discuss on the cause, effects and solution to these problems.

“We intend to come up with a blueprint, and actionable plan that we will help us engage youths on the streets, communities, schools and with relevant institutions to be proactive. This is our focus,” he said

He noted that the group had previously engaged in entrepreneurship and economic development in the past, but decided to focus on this through mentorship, sensitization, awareness and rehabilitation. He also stated that Katsina was chosen as a venue because the state has the highest number of persons affected by drug abuse and other security issues. He also said the emir was working endlessly to address these issues and that was one major reason they seized the opportunity to key into the development the state government and emir had already set rolling.

The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, who is also the National Patron of the NDLEA, lamented the increase in drug abuse which he said all segments of society, from the traditional rulers to religious leaders, politicians, women, and youths are all involved.

The emir, who said this was a serious concern that everyone in the society must work to address, stated that the menace must be confronted holistically.  He stressed the need for “all those involved in drug abuse to be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.”

He said the neglect of the traditional institutions contributed to the increase in drug abuse because the traditional institutions control the grassroots.  He advised that district heads and traditional rulers must rise up to the challenge and make the society a better one.

NACOMYO was established on September 30, 1987 following a resolution adopted at the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) held in Ilorin, Kwara State, where each state of the federation was represented by five delegates.

The organization, which has branches across the country is affiliated to NSCIA and also collaborates with DCCN, NIREC, MSSN amongst others to achieve its aims and objectives which include serving as a united front for all Muslim youth organisations to coordinate their activities to foster unity and promotion of inter-religious harmony.

The organisation also strives for the advancement of Islamic education and establishes relevant instructions in addition to defending the right and interest of Muslims in the country’s socio-economic and political development.

Others include inculcating in Muslim youths the cardinal principles of Islam to develop them to achieve piety and high moral standards as well as strive for the development of Islamic education and establish relevant institutions.