The Executive Director of YOSPIS Kano, Zainab Nasir Ahmad, has called on young leaders and community members to take an active role in tackling drug and substance abuse, warning that the problem is contributing to crime, violence, school dropout and unemployment across communities.
Ahmad made the call in a video she shared via her WhatsApp status, where she described drug and substance abuse as one of the public problems she is deeply passionate about addressing in her community.
According to her, the effects of drug abuse are increasingly visible in many communities, affecting young people’s wellbeing and creating wider social problems.
She stressed that the fight against drug and substance abuse should not be left to government alone, describing it as a community-wide responsibility that requires the active participation of young people.
“It’s not just a government issue. It is a community problem,” she said.
Ahmad identified awareness creation, peer education and challenging harmful behaviours as some of the ways young leaders can contribute to preventing substance abuse.
She also called for greater emphasis on skills development and opportunities for young people, as well as support for individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
The YOSPIS Kano executive director further emphasized the importance of positive role models, saying young people can influence their peers and communities through responsible behaviour and constructive leadership.
She urged young leaders not to wait for government alone to address challenges affecting their communities.
“As young leaders, we should not wait for government alone to solve all our problems. We must organize, speak up, collaborate with communities, and use our platforms to drive positive change,” she said.
Ahmad maintained that involving young people in finding solutions to drug abuse could help address its broader social consequences.
“When young people become part of the solutions, we don’t just change individuals. We help build safer, healthier, and more resilient communities,” she added.
