ADVOCACY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND REHABILITATION AWARENESS INITIATIVE (ADARAI) KADUNA STATE CHAPTER HOLDS GENERAL MEETING

ADVOCACY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND REHABILITATION AWARENESS INITIATIVE (ADARAI) KADUNA STATE CHAPTER HOLDS GENERAL MEETING

The Kaduna State Chapter of the Advocacy against Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Awareness Initiative (ADARAI), a voluntary organization committed to the fight against drug abuse and the promotion of rehabilitation awareness, held its General Meeting on Saturday, 12th July, 2025, at Arewa House, Kaduna. The meeting brought together key officials and members of the initiative to deliberate on ongoing efforts and strategies to combat drug abuse across Kaduna State and the Northwest zone.

Dr. Jibrin Lawal, the State Coordinator of ADARAI Kaduna, welcomed all participants and commended their unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. In his address, he emphasized the growing threat of drug abuse among the youth and the urgent need for collective, community-driven action. He stated: This general meeting is a crucial platform for us to reflect, review and re-strategize our approach in tackling drug abuse in our state. The menace continues to destroy futures and communities. ADARAI remains committed to prevention, awareness, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Together, we must serve as the voice and force against drug-related harm. Dr. Lawal further encouraged more inter-agency collaborations and the involvement of educational institutions, parents, religious and traditional leaders in the fight.

Representing the national body, the National Director, strategic engagement, Shehkh Rufa’i Al-Siddiq applauded the Kaduna State Chapter for its consistency and strong grassroots mobilization. He highlighted the importance of accurate data, case documentation, and strategic planning as vital tools in combating substance abuse.

“For us to achieve lasting change, we must invest in planning and documentation. The data we gather shapes our advocacy, informs government, and opens up funding and partnership opportunities,” he remarked. He called on all state chapters to intensify community surveys, engage health professionals, and adopt technology in data management.

The Zonal Coordinator for the Northwest Zone, mall. Muhammad Dauda lauded Kaduna State’s progress in awareness creation, school sensitization campaigns, and community engagement. He shared the zonal strategic goals, including strengthening inter-state collaborations, harmonizing programs across chapters, and developing regional training modules for field officers.

“Kaduna has set an example in the zone. The energy, coordination and outcomes recorded here will be used as a benchmark. We intend to replicate this momentum across all Northwest states,” he said. He urged stakeholders to maintain a united front and ensure continuity of programs irrespective of political or leadership changes.

The State Secretary, Khalid Nasir, commended the synergy among team members and appreciated the leadership for keeping the chapter active and visible. He reiterated the importance of documentation and timely reporting by all units and departments.

“The success of our movement lies in how we document our impact. Every visit, campaign, or intervention must be recorded. We must also prioritize transparency and accountability in all our activities,” he advised. He called on members to commit to regular communication and meeting attendance to ensure the effectiveness of state wide initiatives.

The Director of Organising, Mikailu Abubakar, expressed optimism about the growth and achievements of the organization in Kaduna. He outlined recent organizational strides, including improved membership drives, local government unit formations, and partnership building with local NGOs and religious groups.

“Our strength lies in our organization. We’ve expanded into more LGAs, built strategic relationships, and are working towards full integration with local community safety structures. Drug abuse is a community problem, and our strategy must be inclusive and far-reaching,” he noted. Mikailu encouraged youth involvement, the use of creative media for advocacy, and the training of volunteers as community educators and peer counselors.

The meeting ended with an open forum where members shared experiences, challenges, and new ideas to strengthen the fight against drug abuse. The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to expanding outreach efforts, supporting rehabilitation campaigns, and working with public and private partners to build a drug-free society.

The ADARAI Kaduna State Chapter continues to stand as a beacon of hope in the collective effort to eliminate drug abuse and restore affected lives.