By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has launched a sensitization campaign against the rising cases of drug abuse and domestic violence in Nigeria’s North-West region, calling on religious and traditional leaders to take urgent action.

Speaking at the campaign flag-off in Kaduna, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities” and organized in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Abbas stressed that addressing these issues should not be left to the government alone but requires collective efforts from all stakeholders.

He emphasized the role of traditional and religious leaders, as well as educators, in sensitizing communities about the dangers of drug abuse and domestic violence, adding that his office would collaborate with NOA, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other key stakeholders to engage directly with affected communities.

“I have chosen to focus on these pressing issues because they strike at the very heart of our collective security and prosperity,” Abbas said. “Sensitization is more than an awareness campaign—it is a call to action to educate our citizens, foster preventive measures, and extend critical support services.”

Citing NDLEA reports, Abbas revealed that drug abuse in the North-West has surged by 25% over the past three years, with Kaduna State alone witnessing a 28% increase in drug seizures in 2023. Similar trends have been observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi.

He also expressed concern over the growing cases of domestic violence in the region, referencing data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which indicates that nearly 35% of women nationwide have suffered domestic abuse. The situation is even worse in the North-West, with figures from Kano showing up to 40% of women experiencing domestic violence.

“These figures are a stark reminder that domestic violence not only violates human rights but also inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma on victims, weakening the social fabric of our communities,” Abbas stated.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for increasing funding for the NDLEA, expanding rehabilitation centers, and strengthening anti-drug initiatives. He also acknowledged government efforts to combat domestic violence through legal reforms, safe houses, and awareness campaigns.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), in his keynote address titled “The Impact of Drug Addiction on National Development,” highlighted the link between drug abuse and criminal activities, stressing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling the crisis.

Similarly, NOA Director-General Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu called for grassroots engagement, urging traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Sadiq, also underscored the need to address the abuse of over-the-counter drugs, noting that substances like cough syrups and analgesics contribute to addiction.

Abbas called on all North-West governors and local government chairmen to support the initiative, stating, “The future of our region depends on the decisive actions we take today. Let us unite to protect our youth from drug addiction and uphold the dignity of every citizen.”