FCT NAWOJ Aligns With NDLEA To End Drug Abuse

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has formed strategic alliance with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to end drug abuse especially in the nation's capital.

Part of the deal by FCT Chapter of NAWOJ, was also to promote stigma-free reporting of drug-related issues.

Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang unveiled the agenda during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of NDLEA on Thursday in Abuja.

While highlighting the urgent need for collaboration between the media and anti-drug agencies, Ita-Ikpang raised an alarm over the growing trend of drug abuse in the nation’s capital, especially among women and young girls.

"As female 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.

To this end, NAWOJ proposed a one-day intensive training program for 100 female journalists across the FCT on 'How to Report Drug Abuse Without Stigmatization', aimed at reshaping public narratives and encouraging rehabilitation and support for victims 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," Comrade Ita-Ikpang added.

She also commended the NDLEA for its consistent efforts in tackling drug trafficking and abuse, particularly its recent arrests and enlightenment campaigns.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Mr. Femi Babafemi welcomed the initiative and assured NAWOJ FCT of the agency’s full support.

“The statistics are alarming–14.3 million Nigerians–abuse illicit substances, which is nearly three times the global average. We know we cannot win this war alone, and that is why the NDLEA launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign,” he said.

Represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, he pledged to escalate NAWOJ’s proposal to NDLEA’s international and local partners 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 affirmed.

The partnership is expected to set a precedent in Nigeria’s public health and media response to drug abuse, prioritising empathy, prevention, and reintegration over punishment and shame.

Comments

11- month Unpaid Salaries: FG Returns EHCON To Budget Circle By 2025

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Stakeholders and Staff of EHCON in a group photograph at the unveiling of EHCON’s Electronic Documentation Management Center (EDMC) in Abuja on Wednesday. The Federal Government has stated that plans are underway to return the staff of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) to budgetary allocation by 2025 and facilitate the payment of 11-month unpaid salaries. Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the unveiling of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria's (EHCON) Electronic Documentation Management Center (EDMC). The centre, which is domiciled at the headquarters of EHCON in the Federal Secretariat, was built by EHCON in partnership with Agro - Climate Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) and financed by the World Bank. News Rider reports that the staff of EHCON received their last salary in December 2023, which implied that from January to November 2024, the workforce are y...

EHCON Seals Deal With SEPHON, EPHPAN, WAHEB To Revamp Environmental, Public Health

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr Yakubu Baba displaying a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Registrar of West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB) Mrs Bola Oladejo in Abuja on Tuesday. In line with global best practices, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has sealed deal with strategic professional bodies to revamp environmental and public health issues across the country. They are Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON), Environmental and Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (EPHPAN), and West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB). Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this on Tuesday at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the professional bodies in Abuja. He noted that Environmental Health (EH) is a profession recognised and established by Act 11 of Environmental Health Officers Registration Counc...

CCB, NILDS Endorse CIFCFIN Agenda To Eliminate Fraud

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Iliyasu Gashinbaki The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have endorsed the agenda of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), aimed at eliminating fraud from systems of government. This was one of the major highlights during the Institute’s 13th Direct Training/Licensed Practitioners Training/graduation and award of Fellowship at NILDS headquarters, Abuja. Speaking after his investiture as an Honourary Fellow of the Institute, Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello noted that CIFICFIN embodies excellence, integrity and a steadfast commitment to combating fraud and upholding justice. He pointed out that to be recognised and honoured as a fellow of the institute is a privilege that he will cherish and carry with great responsibility. “As the Chief Executive of CCB, I am reminded of the critical role we play in fosterin...

News Rider

Search This Blog