NPRW Kaduna: Stakeholders Clash Over Role of Advocacy in Tackling Drug Abuse
A sharp debate over the role of advocacy in tackling substance abuse dominated discussions at the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) Youth Forum in Kaduna, as key stakeholders differed on the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in addressing the growing crisis.
The controversy was sparked by the Director-General of the Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA), who, during his keynote address, suggested that advocacy and awareness campaigns have not been sufficiently effective in curbing drug addiction in Nigeria.
Speaking at the forum, which attracted over 200 students from tertiary institutions, the KADSAMHSA boss argued that government efforts should focus more on addressing the root causes of substance abuse, including poverty, unemployment, and peer pressure.
He warned that drug abuse remains on the rise and projected that Nigeria could have one of the largest populations of drug users globally by 2030 if urgent interventions are not implemented.
The remarks, however, drew a swift response from the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, who challenged the notion that advocacy was ineffective.
Ndace emphasised that no meaningful policy, programme, or social intervention can succeed without sustained communication and public sensitisation.
“There is no campaign—whether in health, technology, or social development—that can succeed without awareness creation. Advocacy remains central to behavioural change,” he said.
He further noted that the Kaduna Youth Forum itself was a form of advocacy, underscoring the importance of communication platforms in shaping public attitudes and responses to societal challenges.
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, highlighted the state government’s shift towards a prevention and rehabilitation-driven approach to tackling substance abuse.
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She said the strategy, adopted under Governor Uba Sani, prioritises early intervention and recovery support over punitive measures and has received recognition from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Describing substance abuse as a major threat to development, Balarabe cited national data indicating that about 14.3 million Nigerians are affected.
“No nation can achieve growth and prosperity when its productive population is undermined by substance abuse,” she said, urging young people to resist peer pressure and make responsible life choices.
Earlier, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the youth forum was part of activities lined up for the NPRW, noting that the state government remains committed to youth development through targeted programmes and mentorship initiatives.
He described the forum as a platform to engage young people and guide them towards becoming responsible leaders.
During a panel discussion, experts reinforced the importance of sustained advocacy and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing substance abuse.
Panelists, Moderated by Zainab Mohammed Ammani including Mohammed Lawal Dahiru of PRNigeria, Anna Hussaini Pai of Yargote Foundation and Dr Lasisi Marufa, President Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) stressed that awareness creation, alongside policy interventions and community engagement, remains critical to reversing the trend.
They called for stronger partnerships between government, institutions, and communities, urging young people to take ownership of their future.
The event, which featured the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, members of the institute’s governing council, and Chairman of the NPRW Planning Committee, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, focused on the theme: “From Vulnerability to Productivity: Addressing Substance Abuse Through Youth Engagement.”
The forum brought together students, communication professionals, and policymakers in a bid to explore youth-led solutions to one of Nigeria’s most pressing social challenges.
By PRNigeria
