In furtherance of his sustained campaign against drug abuse within the society, the Commander of the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Dahiru Lawan, on Wednesday morning led a team of senior officers of the Command to the Kurmawa Correctional Centre.
The visit, which was primarily aimed at sensitizing inmates on the dangers and far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, was further enlivened by a novelty football match between the inmates of the Kurmawa Correctional Centre and the visiting NDLEA team, popularly known as the Marwa Boys.
The friendly football match encounter, which ended 2–1 in favour of the inmates, served not only as a platform for recreation and engagement but also as an avenue for fostering mutual understanding, teamwork, and positive interaction between the two sides.
The match further reinforced the broader message of rehabilitation, discipline, and the promotion of healthy living free from drug abuse.
And immediately after the match, the NDLEA official, CSN Ibrahim Zubairu highlighted how substance abuse destroys lives, fuels crime, and undermines personal and societal development, urging the inmates to take advantage of the reformative opportunities available to them.
During the sensitization session, an NDLEA officer brought out two substances and demonstrated their harmful effects by showing how they quickly damaged a takeaway container.
He explained that the same destructive process occurs inside the human body when such substances are abused, gradually breaking down vital organs and systems.
The officer stressed that prolonged drug use often results in severe health complications, life-threatening illnesses, and, in many cases, premature death, urging the inmates to shun drug abuse and embrace healthier, more productive lifestyles.
The officer further informed the inmates that drug abuse has been responsible for driving many young people into destructive behaviors and criminal activities, which in turn have brought pain, sorrow, and irreparable loss to families.
He explained that, in many cases, the misuse of drugs has led to situations that ended the lives of loved ones, leaving lasting trauma and regret behind.
He therefore urged the inmates to learn from such realities, make better choices, and avoid actions that could cause harm to themselves and those closest to them.
Earlier in his remarks, the Kano State NDLEA Commander, CN Dahiru Lawan, warned the inmates to steer clear of drug abuse due to its severe and damaging consequences.
He emphasized that involvement in drugs not only destroys physical and mental health but also leads to broken families, lost opportunities, and lifelong regret.
The sensitization exercise of Kano State NDLEA Commander, CN Dahiru Lawan forms part of the Command’s broader strategy to curb drug abuse through education, advocacy, and rehabilitation, particularly among vulnerable groups, as the agency continues to intensify efforts to build a healthier and drug-free society.
CN Dahiru Lawan also announced a personal donation of One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000.00) to support the team. In addition, he disclosed that the Kano State Command of the NDLEA had presented various items to the inmates’ team, including sacks of gari, sets of jerseys, footballs, and other essential materials.
He noted that the gesture was part of the Command’s commitment to encouraging positive engagement, recreation, and rehabilitation among inmates, while further strengthening the message of healthy living and discipline without drug abuse.
Also speaking, the Officer-in-Charge of the Kurmawa Correctional Centre, DCC Rambo Isa, commended the NDLEA Commander and his team for the visit, describing it as timely and impactful.
He expressed his appreciation for the sensitization programme and thanked the NDLEA delegation for the various gifts presented to the inmates, noting that such gestures contribute positively to rehabilitation efforts and morale within the facility.
The correctional center boss finally announced an additional cash donation of Thirty Thousand Naira (₦30,000.00) to the team.
This was followed by group photographs featuring the two heads of the institutions alongside players from both sides, after which the NDLEA delegation departed the facility, bringing the visit to a successful and memorable conclusion.
It will be recalled that this event was part of a broader series of matches organized by the NDLEA Sports officer, Jamilu Uba Adamu, as a deliberate effort to educate the public, particularly the youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
Through these initiatives, he aims not only to raise awareness but also to inspire young people to make positive choices, avoid harmful substances, and embrace healthy, productive lifestyles.
The occasion was made even more vibrant and memorable by the participation of former international footballer and Kano Pillars legend and coach, Ahmed Garba, popularly known as Yaro Yaro, who thrilled the crowd by playing for both sides on two separate occasions.
His presence not only added excitement to the matches but also inspired young players and spectators alike, highlighting the unifying power of sports in promoting positive messages.
