By Angela Atabo

The Drug-Free Arewa Movement (DFAM), has called on Northern leaders to join forces in combating the growing menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the region.

The Lead Convener of DFAM, Ibrahim Yusuf made the call in his Sallah message to commemorate the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir on Friday in Abuja.

Yusuf highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on the region, citing its effects on sustainable development, social vices, mental health crises, and the youth.

He noted that the region’s future was being ravaged by the epidemic, with countless young people stranded, addicted and unemployed.

“I heartily congratulate the entire Muslim Ummah, particularly our resilient people across Northern Nigeria, on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

“May this sacred festival of sacrifice remind us all of the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and compassion in our daily lives.

“However, while we celebrate, we must not turn a blind eye to the growing devastation ravaging our region, the menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“This epidemic is silently slaughtering the region’s future. It has crippled sustainable development, unleashed terrifying waves of social vices, increased mental health crises, and left countless young people, our greatest asset, stranded, addicted, unemployed, and broken,” he said.

Yusuf said that DFAM was not just sounding the alarm, but also actively building hope.

He said that the organisation was working with communities, schools, families, religious institutions, and young people across Northern Nigeria to drive drug demand reduction efforts rooted in realities.

He said that DFAM was creating pathways of transformation through policy advocacy, education, prevention programmes and recovery support.

“We therefore make a clarion call to the Northern States Governors’ Forum and their spouses, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, our Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives.

“We call on politicians, business leaders, the academia, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and families across the region to rise; this is your call to duty.

“Drug abuse is not confined to political affiliations, religion, or ethnic lines. It is a monster eating into every home, school, street, and worship centers,” he said.

According to Yusuf, drugs are destroying the very foundation upon which the region stood,that is the youth.

“We cannot remain indifferent while this darkness continues to spread,” he said

He commended the partners, supporters, and advocates of DFAM for their continuous encouragement.

“Let us remember the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other noble leaders of our past, men who led with vision, character, and sincerity of purpose.

“Their footprints brought education, unity, and prosperity to Northern Nigeria. We must now rise with the same integrity and courage to confront this evil plaguing our generation.

“To all who love Northern Nigeria: this is not the time for politics, it is the time for redemption. The time has come to match our words with bold actions. Enough of the empty talk,” he said.

Yusuf urged stakeholders to commit to sending the out-of-school children back to school and also establish fully functional rehabilitation and recovery centres.

He urged them to create real economic and livelihood opportunities for young people and launch robust school and community drug prevention programmes.

He called on youths to stand against drug abuse because it is a slow killer destroying their future, shattering families, and robbing communities of peace.

According to Yusuf, for those trapped in addiction, there is hope because recovery is possible, and DFAM stands ready to walk with them.

He urged those still free to guard their freedom and never allow themselves to be caught in the snares of drugs and substance abuse.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let this moment of reflection and sacrifice become a turning point for our region.

“May Allah SWT guide our leaders with wisdom, inspire them with courage, and bless them with the sincerity to serve the people selflessly.

“May He protect our youth, heal the addicted, comfort the afflicted, and rebuild our broken communities.

“May Northern Nigeria rise again, drug-free, purpose-driven, and prosperous,” he prayed.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba