NGO Raises Alarm as Drug Abuse Ravages Nigerian Youths, Seeks Government, Public Support.
By Sulaiman Hussaini – Abuja
Democracy Newsline | January 2, 2026.
As drug abuse continues to threaten the future of Nigerian youths and deepen insecurity across communities, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Advocacy Against Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Awareness Initiative Nationwide, has issued a passionate appeal to the Federal Government, State Governments, traditional rulers, political leaders, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support its nationwide intervention programmes.
The appeal was made by the National Coordinator of the organisation, Hon. Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, where he warned that without urgent and collective action, thousands of Nigerian children and youths risk being lost to substance abuse, crime and hopelessness.
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According to him, the organisation has been actively operating for over nine years, providing rehabilitation, counselling, vocational training, healthcare support and humanitarian assistance to more than 17,000 beneficiaries across several states of the federation.
“Drug abuse is destroying homes, fuelling crime and cutting short the dreams of our children. We cannot fold our arms while a whole generation is being consumed,” Dawakin Kudu said.
He explained that the organisation’s core mission is to fight drug abuse, rehabilitate victims, empower those who have recovered and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens. Its programmes target children, youths and adults, especially those from vulnerable and underserved communities.
Drug abuse prevention and awareness programmes in communities and schools
Rehabilitation and counselling services for drug users, Vocational and skills-acquisition training to promote self-reliance, Healthcare support for individuals recovering from hard drug addiction, including medical treatment and assistance with prescribed drugs.
Non-religious school system with morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate rehabilitated youths and vulnerable children
“We don’t just take people off drugs; we help them rebuild their lives. Many of those we rehabilitate today are now skilled workers, small business owners and responsible citizens,” he stated.
Dawakin Kudu further disclosed that the organisation plays a major humanitarian role during Ramadan and Christmas, distributing bags of rice and essential food items to families in need, regardless of religion or ethnic background.
“Hunger and poverty often push youths into drugs. Our intervention during festive periods helps ease hardship and restores dignity to struggling families,” he noted.
Despite its remarkable achievements, the National Coordinator lamented that the organisation is grappling with severe funding constraints, limited facilities and rising operational costs, which have made it difficult to meet the growing demand for its services.
“Every day, more youths need help than we can currently handle. With limited resources, we are stretched beyond our capacity,” he said.
He stressed that government support would enable the organisation to:
Expand rehabilitation centres, Improve training and learning facilities,
Reach more drug-affected youths across urban and rural communities and
Strengthen preventive awareness campaigns nationwide.
Hon. Dawakin Kudu therefore called on:
Federal and State Governments to provide grants, policy support and inclusion in social intervention programmes
Governors and local authorities to allocate training facilities and rehabilitation centres
Traditional rulers and community leaders to support grassroots sensitisation
Private organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to partner financially and materially.
“This fight cannot be left to NGOs alone. When we save a youth from drugs, we save a family, a community and the nation,” he emphasized.
He added that increased support from politicians and policymakers would significantly strengthen the organisation’s impact and contribute meaningfully to national security, youth empowerment and social development.
As drug abuse continues to undermine education, security and economic growth, the Advocacy Against Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Awareness Initiative Nationwide insists that now is the time for Nigerians to act.
“If we truly want a safer and stronger Nigeria, we must invest in our youths, protect them from drugs and give them a future worth living for,” Dawakin Kudu concluded.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 2ND 2026)
