Marwa Lunches Neem Tree Dialogue, Calls For Stronger Community Action Against Drug Abuse

By Sani Aliyu, Zaria

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, retired Brigadier-General Muhammad Buba Marwa, has called for stronger community action to address drug abuse and other threats to the rights and wellbeing of children.

Marwa stated this in Zaria at the launching of the Neem Tree Dialogue, a community-based initiative aimed at protecting child rights.

He said tackling drug abuse requires a two-pronged approach involving the disruption of drug supply through arrests, seizures and prosecution, as well as preventing drug use and supporting people already affected by substance abuse.

The NDLEA Chairman identified child marriage and drug abuse among challenges confronting communities in Northern Nigeria, noting that some young people resort to drugs as a way of coping with the pressures associated with difficult circumstances.

Marwa urged traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, the media and families to strengthen efforts to protect children, particularly by allowing them to participate in decisions concerning their future.

Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, assured that the Zazzau Emirate Council would continue to support the Neem Tree Dialogue project and efforts to protect children’s rights across the Emirate.

The Executive Director, Women and Child Rights Empowerment Foundation, WCREF, Barrister Maryam Buba Abdu, said the project seeks to promote positive parenting, prevent violence against children, end child marriage, discourage drug abuse among young people and strengthen community, and traditional child-protection systems.

Speaking at the occation, the Chief of Field, UNICEF, Dr. Gerida Birukila said UNICEF remains committed to working with His Royal Highness, the Government of Kaduna State, the National Drug Law Enforcement and related agencies, traditional and religious institutions, communities and all our partners to strengthen families and create safer environments for children.

“Our shared ambition must be clear: a Kaduna where every child is protected from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect; where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow and make informed choices about her future; and where every parent and caregiver has the knowledge, support and resources to nurture their children positively”.

Dr. Birukila added that The Neem Tree Dialogue provides an important platform for beginning and sustaining that conversation.

According to UNICEF the neem tree is deeply familiar to our communities. It provides shade, protection and a place for people to gather and reflect.

“Let this Dialogue similarly become a space where communities come together, listen to one another, challenge harmful practices and agree on practical actions to protect their children.

“Let us use this initiative to strengthen families, empower girls, protect children and build communities where every child can become the best that they can be.
When we invest in positive parenting, we invest in children.

“When we protect children, we strengthen families and when we strengthen families, we build peaceful and resilient communities.”

Earlier in her welcome address, Mariam Marwa Abdu, Director, WCREF and Author, said Talatu’s story may be fictional, but the challenges she faces are real.

Barr Maryam Marwa Abdu pointed out that many girls are denied the opportunity to fulfill their potential due to child marriage, abuse and harmful norms.

“Through this project, we hope to engage parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government institutions and other stakeholders in meaningful conversations about ending child marriage, preventing violence against children and drug abuse, promoting positive parenting, and strengthening girls’ agency”.

She believed that change begins when communities come together, listen to one another and take collective responsibility for protecting their children.

While expressinh special appreciation to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for his leadership and commitment to child wellbeing, and to all royal fathers, religious leaders, government representatives and development partners present.

The project was launched in collaboration with the Zazzau Emirate Council, Kaduna State Government, NDLEA, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and development partners including UNICEF.

Delivering the UNICEF goodwill message, Dr. Gerida Birukila, on behalf of UNICEF, described the launch as placing the family at the centre of efforts to protect and empower children.

She stated that the family is the first environment where a child experiences love, care, guidance and protection, yet too many children are still falling through the cracks — living and working on the streets, exposed to.