Sanusi calls for revival of indigenous values to combat drug abuse

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has called for the revival of indigenous values, knowledge systems, and traditional institutions to address rising social challenges—particularly the growing culture of drug abuse among young Nigerians.

Sanusi said that strengthening indigenous social structures grounded in accountability, moral upbringing, mentorship, and communal responsibility would significantly contribute to finding sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting the nation.

He made the call while addressing participants at a three-day Multi-Stakeholder Summit themed “Strength in Unity: Advancing Collective Action Against Drug Abuse in Kano State,” which opened in Kano on Monday.

The monarch stressed that the revival of traditional values—especially in Kano—should not be seen as a return to the past, but rather as a means of building a safer, healthier, and more resilient society.

“It gives me immense honour to extend my goodwill to all distinguished stakeholders gathered for this important three-day summit. Today, we stand united—traditional institutions, government, UNODC, NGOs, security agencies, religious leaders, community groups, and civil society—because the future of our youths, our homes, and our dear state is at stake.

“Drug abuse is not merely a social problem; it is a direct assault on the dignity of our society, the strength of our families, and the moral fabric that has sustained Kano for centuries. When a young person is lost to drugs, a lineage, a dream, and a future is destroyed.

“As custodians of our culture and conscience, we must rise with a collective resolve that is firm, compassionate, and unyielding. The theme of this summit, ‘Strength in Unity,’ is timely and profound. No single institution can win this battle alone. It requires a fusion of security intelligence, public enlightenment, community discipline, medical support, religious guidance, and the revival of our traditional values that once made drug abuse unthinkable in our communities.

“As we reflect on today’s theme, we must remember that our forefathers-built systems of accountability, moral upbringing, mentorship, and communal responsibility. In those days, every child belonged to the entire community, and every elder served as a moral compass.

“Every palace, mosque, and family compound served as a centre for discipline, wisdom, and rehabilitation. I therefore call on all district, village, and ward heads; imams; community leaders; parents; and youth groups: let us reawaken the structures that once protected our society.

“Let us use our voices, influence, and authority to break the silence, challenge stigma, and rebuild hope. Let us create safe pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration, because every child saved is a future restored,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, Cheryl Aminta Kwagga, Coordinator of the Kano Reformative Centre and convener of the summit, said the programme was designed to bring together stakeholders in the security and enforcement sectors to share experiences and strengthen efforts aimed at protecting young people and safeguarding communities.

Read also: Petrol subsidy removal saved Nigeria from bankruptcy — Sanusi

She explained that the summit’s theme reflects an often-overlooked truth—that no single agency or sector can curb drug abuse alone. Real victory, she said, can only be achieved through collective action, shared strategies, and sustained collaboration.

Kwagga noted that the Kano Reformative Centre is committed to public awareness, rehabilitation, reintegration, advocacy, and community transformation. She added that the consequences of drug abuse are evident in society every day, ranging from broken homes and shattered dreams to rising insecurity and youth hopelessness.

According to her, with the right combination of support, guidance, and structured interventions, every addicted individual can be restored to normal life.

Meanwhile, during the three-day summit, representatives of the military, security and paramilitary agencies, and enforcement bodies—including NDLEA, the Nigeria Police, EFCC, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Nigeria Customs Service—are expected to present position papers.

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