The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State has entered into a strategic partnership with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited to tackle drug abuse through the promotion of traditional sports.
The collaboration was announced in a statement on Saturday by the NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, following a courtesy visit from the King of Traditional Boxing (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), Bashir Muhammad-Danliti, and his delegation to the agency’s Kano office.
This initiative is part of the NDLEA’s lead-up to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed every year on June 26.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA’s Kano State Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Maimuna Garba, said the agency is using traditional boxing known locally as dambe to engage young people and spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
“Traditional sports serve as powerful platforms to educate, motivate, and divert young people from drug use toward healthier, more productive lifestyles,” Garba said.
She also applauded the Mazaje group for its active involvement and commended Jamilu Uba-Adamu, NDLEA’s Officer in Charge of Sports, for creatively using sports to promote anti-drug campaigns.
As part of the partnership, a series of awareness drives and traditional sporting events will be held across Kano, focusing on educating the public about the risks of drug use and encouraging those affected to seek help.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Idris-Ahmad called on traditional leaders, community organizations, and the public to support the initiative.
“With the UNODC day approaching, we urge all stakeholders to join forces with us. Together, we can build a culture of awareness, resilience, and well-being,” he said.
In his remarks, Muhammad-Danliti commended the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues and stressed the need for sustained collaboration.
“Partnering with the NDLEA offers a meaningful path to curbing drug abuse and addressing the broader security challenges it brings,” he added.
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