Explores Drug Abuse as a Direct Link to Sexual Violence
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In a significant collaborative effort, Zonkwa Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Kaduna State Sexual Assault and Referral Center (SARC) Zone 3 have joined forces with Global Rights Support (GRS) to tackle the growing threats of drug abuse and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State.
The initiative, which involved a sensitization session for secondary school students, aimed to highlight the dangers of drug abuse and its direct link to SGBV, raising awareness on how substance abuse contributes to violence, exploitation, and unsafe environments.
Empowering Youth as Gender Champions
According to a statement from the organizers on Tuesday, students were trained as Youth Gender Champions, equipping them to advocate for safe communities, gender equality, and drug abuse prevention in their schools and neighborhoods.
Speaking at the event, Luka Y. Adankat, Chairman of Zonkwa CDC, urged the young participants—comprising both girls and boys from various secondary schools—to serve as positive ambassadors in their communities. He emphasized the need for them to promote change and foster a future free from violence and abuse.
Expert Insights on Drug Abuse and SGBV
Ahmadu Bello Adamu, a representative from NDLEA, delivered a comprehensive training session on the dangers of drug abuse, explaining its devastating link to SGBV. He provided students with critical knowledge to help them make informed and responsible decisions about substance use.
Similarly, Grace Yohanna Abbin, Coordinator of SARC, stressed the importance of youth involvement in combating gender-based violence and drug abuse.
“Young people play a crucial role in changing harmful behaviors and creating a safer, healthier future,” she stated.
Call to Action for Safer Communities
The event concluded with a strong message of support for youth-led advocacy against violence and substance abuse, reinforcing the importance of collective action in building safe communities.
🔹 #YouthChampions #EndGBV #DrugAbuseAwareness #SGBVPrevention #16DaysOfActivism #ZangonKataf #SARC #NDLEA #SafeCommunities
