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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.

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