By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
This call was made in a one-day Youth sensitization program tagged “No to Drugs” which was organized by the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee in partnership with Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) and Health Justice Development and Peace (HJDP). The event which took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 held at the Bajju Hall in Hayin Banki, Kawo in Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna state had over One hundred and fifty people in attendance, majority of whom are young people.
Laying foundation for the conversation, Rev. Fr Sixtus Onuh Ladi of HJDP said it is rather unfortunate that the present generation more than any other before it, is largely characterized by drugs and substance abuse.
He said “we are allowing things that human hands have created to destroy us thereby throwing the future of our families and societies in doubt.
“The convergence according to him is a forum for a heart to heart conversation on the way forward considering that drugs and substance abuse have destroyed and is still destroying a lot of destinies.
In his opening remarks, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director of GPF Nigeria who prides as a bon-a-fide member of the Hayin Banki community said he is aware of the happenings in the community but have come not to condemn but together with the people chart a way out of the menace which is doing so much harm to the society.
According to Rev. Hayab, “our desire every day is to see that the best and successful people come out of the community which is a mini Nigeria with people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds living peacefully.”
For that to happen, Rev Hayab said certain things like drugs and substance abuse must be handled, which is why the organization agreed with the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation to hold such an engagement.
He said the caliber of people on ground amongst which are the Head of Hayin Banki, the Kaduna state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, the Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Mallam Ibrahim Kufena, other Christian and Muslim clerics, including the Northern Coordinator of GPF Nigeria, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, Mrs Rebecca John Tsako, Permanent commissioner at the Kaduna State Peace Commission, the Deputy Director on Drug Reduction and Control at the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is indicative of the love of society for the youths of the community.
Rev Hayab further expressed disheartening concern that the menace of drugs and substance abuse in the community is not limited to young boys alone but also girls and married women, hence called for self-soul searching and reflection as well as concerted efforts by all and sundry to salvage the situation which is capable of destroying our society.
He assured the youths that the gathering is not that of condemnation but members of one human family under God trying to help each other.
As part of the programme, goodwill messages and sensitization sessions were delivered by the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC) and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)on the dangers of Drug and substance abuse and the need to say NO TO DRUGS.
Both were quite enlightening, informative and educating. Also, the chief Imam of the community central mosque and Pastor Moses Danjuma, the founder of Divine Touch Ministry helped explore the religious positions on the issue of drugs and substance abuse, both concluding that God the creator is displeased with the act but still loves victims as He loves all of His creations.
They therefore called on both Christian and Muslim youths in the community to make the most of the opportunity accorded them by the programme for a positive change.
At the close of the event, so many young people expressed willingness to shun drugs and substance abuse with many others volunteering to join the campaign.