The Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Dr. Murtala Musa, has described sports as a powerful instrument for combating drug abuse and other social vices among young people.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Zulfa’at Abubakar Rano, Dr. Musa made the remark when he led a delegation from the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), where they were received by the State Commander, Dahiru Lawan Yahya.
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During the visit, Dr. Musa stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Sports Commission and the NDLEA in order to educate and sensitise youths on the dangers associated with drug abuse.
He noted that sports provide a positive avenue for young people to channel their energy, talents and aspirations, thereby reducing their vulnerability to substance abuse and other harmful activities.
The Acting Chairman further stated that engaging youths in sporting activities promotes discipline, healthy living, teamwork and responsible behaviour, qualities that can help steer them away from drugs and criminal tendencies.
He called for the development of joint programmes, awareness campaigns and grassroots sporting initiatives aimed at keeping young people actively engaged while also enlightening them on the devastating consequences of drug addiction.
Dr. Musa reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Sports Commission to partnering with relevant stakeholders and government agencies in promoting youth development and building a healthier, safer and more productive society.
He further disclosed that the Kano State Sports Commission is set to revive the Inter-Local Government Sports Competition, a flagship grassroots sports development programme that will involve participants from all the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.
According to him, the competition will not only serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing sporting talents but will also be used to educate youths on the dangers associated with illicit drug use and other social vices.
He explained that the initiative forms part of the commission’s broader strategy of leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment, social inclusion and behavioural change.
Dr. Musa urged youths across the state to embrace sports as a viable pathway to wealth creation, self-development and positive social engagement.
He noted that sports have continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians to achieve success at local, national and international levels while instilling discipline, teamwork, leadership and other values that help shape them into responsible and productive members of society.
The Kano State Sports Commission’s chairman lastly commended the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Kano State Command for the warm reception and hospitality extended to his delegation during the visit.
In his response, the NDLEA State Commander, Dahiru Lawan Yahya, commended the Sports Commission for the visit and expressed readiness to work closely with the Commission in the fight against drug abuse.
He acknowledged the vital role sports can play in youth empowerment and pledged the agency’s support for collaborative programmes designed to protect young people from the menace of illicit drugs.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of both organisations to tackling drug abuse through preventive measures, public enlightenment and youth-focused initiatives across Kano State.
He explained that the agency’s mandate is built on key pillars, including the arrest and prosecution of drug offenders, preventive education and advocacy, as well as youth empowerment and community engagement programmes aimed at discouraging substance abuse.
He commended the initiative of the Kano State Sports Commission and expressed the agency’s willingness to work closely with the commission in the collective effort to curb drug abuse among youths across the state.
According to him, meaningful collaboration between relevant stakeholders is essential in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse.
He therefore urged young people to stay away from illicit drugs and instead channel their talents, energy and resources into productive ventures, particularly sports, education, entrepreneurship and other activities that promote personal development and contribute positively to society.
The visit further highlights the shared commitment of both organisations to promoting healthy lifestyles, youth development and social responsibility.
It also reinforces their determination to build a drug-free Kano State through sustained collaboration, strategic partnerships, public enlightenment campaigns and community-based initiatives designed to empower young people and safeguard their future.
It could be recalled that the Kano Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has consistently utilised sports as a strategic tool in its campaign against drug abuse.
The agency has organised and supported various sporting activities in schools, Kurmawa and Gworon Dutse correctional centres and different communities across the state as part of efforts to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse and promote healthy living.
These initiatives according to our findings have provided the agency for engagement, mentorship and awareness creation, encouraging youths to embrace sports and other positive activities as alternatives to drug use.
Through such programmes, the agency has continued to demonstrate its commitment to preventive education and community-based interventions aimed at reducing drug abuse and fostering a more productive and responsible society.
