By Muhd D Haidar
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi has launched a far-reaching campaign against drug abuse and societal decadence with the signing of two landmark Executive Orders aimed at protecting young people, strengthening communities, and promoting responsible citizenship across the state
Speaking at the signing ceremony Governor Namadi described the Executive Orders as deliberate governance tools designed to translate his administration’s campaign promises into concrete action under the 12-Point Agenda, said the two orders were established as a coordinated framework for combating drug abuse and institutionalize a statewide campaign for social reorientation anchored on discipline, patriotism, honesty, respect for the law, and civic responsibility.
The Governor explained that the anti-drug Executive Order provides a coordinated approach that combines prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, community mobilisation, counselling, and enforcement support, while the second Order establishes an institutional framework for promoting positive values and responsible citizenship throughout the state.
Governor Namadi pledged to work closely with federal security agencies to tackle drug abuse and strengthen community participation in governance, stressing that the newly signed Orders fulfil those commitments.
According to him, youth empowerment must go hand in hand with value-based orientation, warning that opportunities without discipline could become dangerous, while moral values without opportunities could breed frustration.
Governor Namadi also linked the Executive Orders to his administration’s broader governance reforms, including the establishment of Ward Level Development Advisory Committees and the Participatory Community Development Project Fund, aimed at deepening grassroots participation and improving accountability in governance.
He further urged parents, teachers, religious scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, development partners, youth groups, and the private sector to work together in protecting young people from drug abuse and promoting positive societal values.
Governor Namadi said the experience of the August 2024 “End Bad Governance” protests highlighted the urgent need for stronger social guidance, noting that frustration, misinformation, idleness, and weak moral values can easily expose young people to violence and destructive behaviour.
He observed that sustainable development requires not only infrastructure and economic programmes but also a society built on discipline, patriotism, accountability, and the enduring moral values rooted in religion and culture.
He expressed concern over the growing menace of substance abuse, cited findings from the National Drug Use Survey, which estimated that more than 14 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use illicit drugs.
He said: “Although Jigawa is not among the states most affected by drug abuse, he maintained that government must act proactively before the problem escalates.
“Rebuilding society requires addressing the root causes of drug abuse, including poor moral upbringing, unemployment, lack of mentorship, and social neglect.” He pointed out.
The Governor commended Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) and the NDLEA for their unwavering partnership in the fight against illicit drugs and appealed for additional operational support for the Jigawa State Command.
He praised the Command’s recent achievements, including the seizure of nearly 2,000 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.8 billion and the successful prosecution of 136 offenders, describing the performance as evidence of the agency’s determination to protect communities.
Governor Namadi equally acknowledged the contributions of the State Executive Council, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, security institutions, traditional rulers, the Council of Ulamas, civil society organisations, youth representatives, and members of the Executive Council Committee that drafted the Executive Orders.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build a Jigawa where young people are protected from harmful influences, empowered with opportunities, and inspired by values that promote peace, productivity, and responsible citizenship.
The Governor concluded by praying for divine guidance in implementing the initiative and expressed confidence that the new policies would strengthen families, foster peaceful communities, and secure a brighter future for the people of Jigawa State.
The event was attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), senior government officials, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
About the Author
