Ever since I reverted back to sports journalism two years ago after my retirement from lecturing in the famous Kano State Polytechnic, I opted for local sports analysis and commentary instead of reporting. This I did because of so many reasons which I don’t want to share now.
That is why my handset is always with me or at the state library perusing some related sports materials, do my analysis or commentary where necessary and thereafter share it (them) to my teeming readers.
That is my day-to-day routine until last Saturday when a young and smart sports loving National Drug Law Enforcement Agency officer, who is currently heading the agency’s sports unit in Kano, Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics Jamilu Uba Adamu invited me to a public program which as a new head of sports unit of the agency organized and approved by the Kano NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad to discourage our youth from using drugs.
The program was a friendly football match put in place between the NDLEA Kano Command Football Club popularly known as Marwa Boys and Junior Kano Pillars FC last Sunday at the Kawo Primary School, in Kawon Maigari of Nasarawa Local Government.
DSN Jamilu Uba Adamu, a young promising officer told me that the match was planned to sensitize the general public about the dangers of illicit drugs and the need to shun them.
At first, I told him I was not going because the venue was far but only asked him to submit all the papers and speeches of the invited guests so that some stories can be made stories out of them.
But when he pleaded and insisted on my attendance and its importance, I succumbed to his pressure and agreed to attend.
Jamailu, a sports loving man of refutes, is an officer who I so much respect because he is a well disciplined person who will not be easily distracted by anything that is not strictly related to the values he espouses, or his professional calling.
His love and followership for sports is not hidden as he is easily found or tracced anywhere where sports is taking place.
Part of what made him to be successful in anything he does or anywhere he found himself is respect for others and doing his work according to its rules and ethics which ultimately define and determine who he is, what he does, and how he turns out in life; no matter where he finds himself
Honestly, I don’t know why he attached much importance to my attendance but all I know is that as a Sports officer of Kano Command, one of his prime duties is to promote participation in sport amongst all members of the NDLEA.
He works with other sporting clubs, local councils and the wider community to ensure that all NDLEA staff can increase their physical activity and lead healthier lives.
So immediately after my Asr prayers that Sunday, I prepared and left for the venue and arrived a few minutes after 4.00pm.
On arrival, DSN Jamilu Uba Adamu welcomed me and took me to Guests Corner situated at the side of the field and introduced me to those seated earlier.
The match which was kicked-off a few minutes to 5pm was officiated by the Kano Ace sports broadcaster, Muhammad Wasilu Kawo before a large turnout of spectators which were mostly youth.
From the blast of the referee’s whistle signaling the beginning of the game, both sides did their very best to register an early goal but failed. But in the end it ended 2-1 in favor of the Kano Pillars Junior team.
Speaking to this site on behalf of the Command during the match, the Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Zubairu Ibrahim who represented the commander said their command is using sports to totally eradicate the use of illicit drugs among the youth throughout Kano state.
He went further to explain what an illicit drug is which according to him, refers to highly addictive and illegal substances such as heroin, marijuana, and meth.
CSN Ibrahim added that, it is the use of an illicit drug or a prescription drug without medical indication, addiction refers to the continued use of either type of drug in a compulsive manner regardless of harm to the user or others.
He also explained that the decision to use one of these drugs for the first time is usually a voluntary one, but an unexpected addiction can make the decision to quit later significantly harder.
He then stated that tolerance occurs when one needs more of the substance to get the same effects as when he started which by the time that tolerance has been established, it may be hard to withdraw or stop using the substance.
“And the rate of illicit drug use is highest among those aged 18 to 25,” he noted.
Officer Ibrahim then explained to fully inform our youth of the dangers of drugs, that the command has some series of programs which are all aimed at educating the general public especially youth and women about the danger of using drugs which is one of them.
“Our Commander under the leadership of Abubakar Idris Ahmad is using sports first out of many other means at our disposal to eradicate drug usage and abuse in the state,’’ he added.
He added that we want the youth to fully go into sports instead of drugs as drugs are dangerous and can waste their lives.
He has also revealed that their commander has established an office PSO with officers and men whose duty is to enlighten the general public about the bad and dangerous effect of drugs on the society.
CSN Zubairu Ibrahim further illustrated the three key dangers of drugs which include, Physical effect, Social effect and Legal/Psychological effects.
According to him the physical effect or the consequences of drug addiction on the body may include Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss.
It also increases strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or liver failure.
There are also seizures, strokes, mental confusion and brain damage. Drugs also harm the lungs.
On the Social effect, CSN Ibrahim said using drugs can also cause users to become paranoid about their relationships, like thinking that their friends are turning against them.
Drug users in most may even become aggressive and violent toward other people, even their family and friends.
For these and many more reasons according to him, drugs can easily destroy friendships.
And for the Legal/Psychological effects The legal consequences of drug abuse can lead to difficulty obtaining a job as many employers conduct background checks on potential employees to ensure that their new hires are free of legal issues and liabilities. If one has a drug crime conviction on his record, it could be a red flag for potential employers.
Drug use can deeply affect job performance and employers may choose to hire someone else who is less likely to experience addiction symptoms.
If one is caught using, dealing or intending to deal drugs, he may be arrested and could face jail time.
To find more about illicit substances, I discovered there are many.
The first on the list is Cocaine, which is a powerfully addictive stimulant made from the leaves of the South American coca plant, and normally comes in a powder form. Street names for cocaine include blow, bump, coke, and snow. It is most commonly snorted or injected, and can also be smoked or administered to the skin.
The second is Crack Cocaine, which is the more pure and potent form of cocaine, which typically comes in solid blocks or crystals. Crack cocaine is typically smoked, allowing it to reach the brain more quickly and result in a short-lived – yet intense – high. It is also increasingly commonly injected.
The third is Ecstasy, which is used by many high-scholars and young adults; ecstasy is considered a party drug or rave drug. Its psychoactive effects include enhanced sensory perception and can cause lowered inhibition. Ecstasy is most commonly taken orally in pill form or dissolved in water, but can also be snorted or injected.
The fourth on the list is Hallucinogens, which an addiction to this type of drug is less common than other drugs, use and abuse of these substances can cause severe negative side effects.
Heroin is the next which is an extremely addictive substance that is synthetically derived from the opium poppy plant.
It comes in the form of white or brownish powder, or as a black and sticky substance known as “black tar.” It is most commonly injected, though it can also be snorted, smoked, or consumed orally.
The next is Inhalants which mostly include household items such as spray paints, markers and cleaning supplies which are inhaled through the mouth or nose in order to achieve a high. Inhaling certain types of these substances can lead to heart failure, resulting in death.
Others are Ketamine which is medically used as an anesthetic in veterinary practice. But when abused, ketamine can cause hallucinations, sedation, and confusion.
Marijuana is also one of the most commonly abused illicit substances. The main psychoactive ingredient, THC, causes temporary euphoria followed by drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and increased appetite.
Second to the last on the list is Meth, which is an extremely dangerous stimulant that can cause users to become instantly addicted. The short-term effects of meth include alertness and euphoria.
However, long-term use of meth can lead to problems such as violent behavior, severe dental problems, psychosis, and severe paranoia.
And the last is Synthetic Marijuana, which refers to the growing number of manufactured substances that contain a chemical similar to THC. Although Synthetic marijuana is marketed as a legal alternative, the substance’s effects can be unpredictable and more intense than its natural counterpart.
In fact from my understanding, taking drugs is dangerous and should be avoided by all. Whatever it provides to the user is temporary.
Those who graced the occasion include, Maigarin Kawo, Alh. Kabiru, Dan Lawan Tofa, Alh . Yusuf Isyaku Tofa, the representative of Ag. Chairman Nassarawa LG and representative of DPO Badawa.
Others are Muzambilu Dalha Yola who represented Kano SWAN, Dr. Zangina of FUD, Dr. Murtala Abdu of Al Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kawo Warriors Head coach Malam Iliya, former secretary of Kano SWAN, Abdulagafar Oladimeji and many others.
