The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Strategic Command, promised to partner with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited (Kungiyar Dambe) to combat drug abuse in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Mr Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, on Saturday in Kano.

The decision was part of discussion between the two parties when the king of Traditional Boxing (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), Bashir Muhammad-Danliti, led his team on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA in Kano.

The event was part of activities lined up ahead of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26.

The Strategic Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, said that the collaboration was aimed at using traditional sports, particularly popular traditional boxing (dambe) to engage the youth and raise awareness on drug abuse and illicit trafficking to promote a drug-free society.

Mr Idris-Ahmad, represented by the Head of the NDLEA Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Hajiya Maimuna Garba, expressed appreciation to the Mazaje group for its support in the fight against drug abuse.

He lauded the Officer in Charge of Sports, Jamilu Uba-Adamu, for his innovative approach in leveraging sports as a platform to disseminate crucial messages on drug awareness and prevention.

Mr Idris-Ahmad emphasised that the collaboration would feature sensitisation activities and sporting events aimed at educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help and support where necessary.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with community-based organisations and traditional institutions to address the menace of drug abuse across the state.

“As we approach the UNODC, the NDLEA Strategic Command calls on all stakeholders and members of the public to support this initiative. Together, we can create a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse and promote a culture of wellness and resilience in our communities,” the official said

Earlier, Mr Muhammad-Danliti, emphasised the importance of deepening partnership between the two organisations.

He commended the NDLEA for its doggedness in the fight against drug abuse in the state.

He said his visit was to synergise with NDLEA in addressing security challenges, emphasising that a significant number of crimes were committed under the influence of drugs.

Mr Muhammad-Danliti said, “We will continue to work with the agency to tackle the root causes of drug abuse and prevent same from spreading in the state,”

(NAN)