By Justina Auta

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Thursday, said it is positioned to join the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug abuse.

This was made known by Chairperson of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of NAWOJ, Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of NDLEA, Mohammed Buba-Marwa.

She called for more sensitisation on the dangers of drug abuse, as well as the need to promote a stigma-free reporting of drug-related issues.

“As women journalists, we are increasingly troubled by the spike in substance abuse cases, especially involving women and girls.

“These stories often go underreported or are handled in ways that reinforce stereotypes, shame, or fear,” she said.

Ita-Ikpang said that the chapter will hold a one-day intensive training for 100 female journalists across the FCT on how to report cases of drug abuse without elements of stigmatisation.

She added that the exercise is aimed at reshaping public narratives and encouraging rehabilitation and support for victims of drug abuse, rather than condemnation.

“We believe that through this partnership with NDLEA, we can equip journalists with the tools and language necessary to report drug abuse compassionately and constructively.

“We are confident that this model can become a national standard for media-agency collaboration on sensitive issues,” she added.

In his response, Buba-Marwa, who was represented by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said that the initiative will aid in combating drug abuse in the country.

“The statistics are alarming; 14.3 million Nigerians abuse illicit substances, which is nearly three times the global average.

“We know that we cannot win this war alone, and that is why the NDLEA launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign,” he said.

He, therefore, pledged to escalate NAWOJ’s proposal to NDLEA’s international and local partners, in order to secure support and funding for the training initiative.

“We recognise the importance of the media in this fight, and we will explore all avenues to make this partnership a reality,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Sandra Umeh