The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, has organized a Ramadan lecture focusing on the Effects of Drug Abuse, as part of efforts to enlighten women journalists and the general public on the dangers of substance abuse in society.
The lecture, facilitated by Ambassador Maryam Hassan of LESPADA (League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse), was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Center Hall, Kano.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Kano State Chapter, Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara, explained that the lecture is the third of its kind organized by the association since the inception of her tenure.
She stated that the initiative is aimed at creating awareness and educating journalists and the wider community on the harmful effects of drug abuse, with the goal of reducing the growing menace in Kano State.
According to her, women journalists have a critical role to play in shaping public opinion and raising awareness on societal challenges, including drug abuse, through responsible and impactful reporting.
The Ramadan lecture also featured an Islamic perspective, as Sayyida Zam’atu Shaikh Nasir Kabara, an Islamic scholar, delivered a sermon highlighting the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan, urging Muslims to use the period for self-discipline, moral reform, and avoidance of harmful acts such as drug abuse.
In his remarks, a veteran journalist and academician from Bayero University Kano, Dr. Bala Muhammad, described the event as timely and commendable.
He praised NAWOJ for organizing such an important enlightenment program that addresses pressing social issues.
Dr. Bala further pledged to support the professional development of women journalists by offering a free training programme on Master of Ceremony (MC) and Event Management after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He noted that the training, which normally costs ₦50,000 per participant, will be offered free of charge to NAWOJ members as his personal contribution to mentoring and supporting the next generation of media professionals.
The event was well attended by prominent personalities including veteran women journalists, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Kano State Council, Comrade Hauwa Zahraddeen, who represented the NUJ Chairman Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi; Comrade Hadiza Kushiri of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Dr. Khadija MS Aliyu of LESPADA; Hussaina Bichi, Director of News at Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV); Salamatu Jahun; Gajiya Aisha, Director of Information at the National Orientation Agency (NOA); and Salma Yusuf of Freedom Radio Kano, among others.
Participants commended NAWOJ Kano for organizing the lecture and emphasized the need for continued collaboration among journalists, government agencies, and civil society organizations to combat drug abuse and promote social wellbeing in Kano State.
