The women’s division of Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria collaborated with Reconnect Health Development Initiative to organize a two-day drug intervention program in the state of Kano to address the growing problem of drug abuse. The theme and message was repeated by the programs esteemed guests, including the former first lady of Nigeria H.E. Hajiya Amina Sambo and Dr. Maryam Abacha, saying, “Let’s act now against drugs to get the peace we deserve.”

On March 14 and 15, respected women leaders joined the program to facilitate conversations about an interconnected community approach to resolving drug and substance abuse in Kano state. Such leaders included Aisha Ismail, a former Minister of Women Affairs, and Dr. Hafsatu Abdullahi Ganduje, wife of the Executive Governor of Kano.

As our first schools, the family environment provides each child and member of the family basic tools of support and education to address social challenges. This is why GPF aimed to get whole families involved in proactive ways to prevent and combat drug abuse using a “roadmap of intervention” articulated by representatives from Reconnect and the State’s Commissioner of Health.

The program initiated efforts to develop health educational programs, anti-drug campaigns, community mobilization, and a special task force focused on preventing drug abuse. Through peacebuilding education, families are rising up to leadership roles to address this prevalent problem to build a healthy and safe community.