Recognizing the connection between substance abuse prevention and peacebuilding, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Health without Borders International to provide a one-day interactive session for youth in the Karu Community of Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. On October 19, ten traditional and faith leaders joined the diverse 240 young participants to discuss the consequences of drug abuse and its destructive impact on peacebuilding among individuals, families, and communities.
GPF Nigeria hosts drug prevention workshop for youth.
In his welcoming remarks, Mallam Nuhu Abdulkadir, the Sarkin Hausawa of Karu, noted his appreciation of GPF Nigeria and Health without Borders International for sponsoring the timely session. While underscoring the negative impact of drugs and substance abuse on youth and their future livelihoods, he challenged the young attendees to be peace ambassadors and fight against drugs and substance abuse in their communities.
Following the welcoming, Pauline Ibrahim, executive director of Health without Borders International, opened the session by stating, “The need to curb the menace of drugs and substance abuse cannot be over-emphasized in our efforts toward the actualization of a more peaceful society.” She also highlighted the interconnectivity between healthy living and peaceful living as foundational elements of a community and urged participants to take what they learned from the session to achieve both. In addition, Ms. Ibrahim stressed that a drug-free society is everyone’s responsibility.
GPF Project Manager Abdul Ahmed speaking during the workshop.
Setting the tone for the day, GPF Nigeria Country Director, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, noted that the one-day interactive session continued the discussion on previously expressed community concerns about the impact of drugs and substance abuse on young people. He also voiced alarm about the increased involvement of young girls in certain vices and the need for young boys to protect them from substance abuse. Rev. Hayab further emphasized GPF’s vision of One Family under God, commenting, “We all in this place are brothers and sisters, irrespective of our religious, ethnic or family backgrounds, so what we are having today is simply a family meeting to talk to one another.”
The participants’ face caps were inscribed with the caption “You Can Be Free From Substance Abuse,” which Rev. Hayab said was the simple reason for the presence of GPF Nigeria and Health without International Borders in the community. Accordingly, he said, “This is the phase as youth, where you are pressured by your friends to abuse or use substances, but you must stand your ground and say no. It is better they call you weak and fearful, than for you to abuse substance.”
The young attendees shared their experiences of being influenced by peer groups into drugs and substance abuse. Victims also confirmed its dehumanizing and destructive effects, including dropping out of school, low self-esteem, violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies. Expressing her appreciation for the one-day educational program, Maimunat Yakubu, a polytechnic student, recognized the need to help the victims of drugs and substance abuse. She stated, “I have been making serious mistakes by distancing myself completely from victims of drugs and substance abuse, even relations, instead of showing love and care.”
Participants share their testimonies.
Solutions offered during the one-day interactive session included the need for families and communities to collectively support the young people who are caught in the throes of drugs and substance abuse by offering love and compassion and avoiding stigmatization. Continuing education and engagement were also suggested as ways to further emphasize the need for change.
Drugs and substance abuse are ongoing problems for young people, their families, communities, and society. To ensure long-term commitment and collaboration to achieve social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, a community-led steering committee will be created along with a partnership with local organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders.
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