BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A Nigerian social development advocate, Abubakar Muhammad Diga, has canvassed stronger community-driven strategies to tackle drug abuse and youth vulnerability, warning that sustainable solutions must prioritise prevention and early intervention to safeguard the nation’s future.
Diga made the call during a recent stakeholder engagement on public health and youth development, where he underscored the growing threat substance abuse poses to families, communities and national productivity, particularly among young people in underserved areas.
According to him, enforcement alone cannot address the root causes of drug abuse, stressing that education, counselling and active community participation are critical components of any lasting solution.
“Drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a social and developmental concern. When communities are informed and actively involved, the impact is deeper and more enduring,” he said.
Diga, who is the Founder and Executive Director of HopePath Community Development Foundation, explained that his organisation has prioritised grassroots education and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at preventing substance abuse before it takes root.
He noted that community education remains one of the most sustainable tools in combating drug-related challenges, as it empowers families, religious institutions, schools and traditional leaders to take ownership of prevention efforts.
Through HopePath Foundation, he said, several awareness campaigns and youth-focused interventions have been implemented to promote positive alternatives and strengthen resilience among at-risk populations.
Stakeholders at the engagement acknowledged the increasing role of civil society organisations in complementing government efforts on drug demand reduction and youth development.
They stressed that partnerships between public institutions and grassroots actors are vital in reaching vulnerable groups.
Diga further emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in social interventions, noting that measurable outcomes and responsible resource management are essential to building public trust and sustaining donor support.
“As we address substance abuse, we must ensure that programmes are structured, monitored and evaluated. Accountability guarantees impact”.
With Nigeria grappling with the social and economic consequences of drug abuse, experts have continued to highlight community-based models as a viable pathway to prevention, rehabilitation and long-term behavioural change.
