Kano – The Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged a revival of traditional value systems as a key strategy to address the growing problem of drug abuse in the state.
Speaking at the three‑day Stakeholders Summit on Drug Abuse in Kano, the Emir, represented by the District Head of Shanono, Dankade Kado, and Dr Bashir Mohammad, described drug abuse as “a direct assault on the dignity of society” and a threat to the future of young people. He said the challenge requires coordinated efforts involving intelligence‑gathering, community accountability, medical intervention, religious guidance and adherence to traditional norms.
Sanusi recalled that Kano’s forefathers built strong systems rooted in mentorship, discipline and communal responsibility – structures he said must be revived to protect the younger generation.
The Chief Coordinator of the Kano Reformative Centre, Cheryl Aminta Kwagga, said tackling drug abuse demands collective action, noting that the centre witnesses daily consequences such as broken homes, shattered dreams, rising insecurity and increased youth vulnerability. She added that, given Kano’s highly radio‑engaged society, media organisations can develop programmes to educate grassroots communities and support government efforts to curb the menace.
The summit, held under the theme “Reviving Traditional Values to Combat Drug Abuse,” brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil‑society groups and youth representatives to chart a coordinated response to the drug crisis in Kano State.
