Protecting Kaduna’s Girl-Child from Drug Abuse

By: Danladi Keziah Adamu | Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | August 25, 2026

Protecting the girl-child must be central to Kaduna’s efforts to prevent drug abuse as vulnerability and lack of education can increase risks facing young people.

The issue gained attention in Kaduna on July 11, 2026, when National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), called for stronger protection of the girl-child against vulnerabilities linked to drug abuse. He spoke during the public presentation of In The Shadow of the Neem Tree, written by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu.

“By protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation,” Marwa said.

His message places prevention within a wider responsibility. Keeping girls away from substance use is not achieved through warnings alone. It requires families, schools, communities, traditional institutions, government and healthcare professionals to create environments where girls can learn, speak openly and seek help.

The NDLEA says its drug-demand reduction work includes prevention, treatment, care and recovery, with school programmes, community initiatives, advocacy and public awareness targeting girls. Its Prevention and Sensitization Directorate also promotes school-, family- and community-based prevention interventions.

For Kaduna, these approaches offer a pathway. Schools can provide accurate information about substance use while helping girls build confidence and make healthy decisions. Families can strengthen communication so girls feel safe discussing peer pressure, abuse or challenges. Community leaders can reinforce protection and ensure vulnerable girls are not ignored.

Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan identifies children, adolescents, youth and women as important groups for prevention, emphasizing supportive parenting, healthy social environments, education and skills that help girls make healthy choices.

The work is about more than drug prevention. It is about protecting education, dignity, opportunity and the future of girls who deserve to grow, learn and contribute to society.

Kaduna’s prevention efforts can grow stronger when protection and early intervention remain central.

Every girl supported represents a stronger future. With education, support and collective action, Kaduna can help girls make hope over harmful influences and build lives of possibility.

Every girl supported represents a stronger future. With education, support and collective action, Kaduna can help girls choose hope over harmful influences and build lives of possibility.

“By protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation.” — Mohamed Buba Marwa

“The responsibility for protecting vulnerable members of society”

should involve all stakeholders, according to Marwa’s call for collective action.

Editor: Joseph James Udoh

WBN Global News Desk
📩 newsdesk@wbnn.news The advantage---

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