In a renewed effort to curb drug abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Kano has teamed up with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited to leverage the influence of traditional boxing in sensitizing young people against substance use.
The partnership was announced following a courtesy visit by the King of Traditional Boxing (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), Bashir Muhammad-Danliti, and his team to the NDLEA Strategic Command in Kano.
The collaboration is part of preparations for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26.
Speaking during the event, the NDLEA Strategic Commander in Kano, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, represented by Maimuna Garba, Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a creative and culturally relevant approach to drug prevention.
“We believe traditional sports like dambe can be powerful tools for reaching young people in communities where drug abuse is rising,” Idris-Ahmad stated.
“With support from Mazaje Sport Promotion, we are expanding our engagement efforts beyond conventional methods.”
He commended the agency’s Sports Officer, Jamilu Uba-Adamu, for introducing sports as an innovative avenue for drug education.
“This partnership will include sensitization activities, public rallies, and traditional boxing events aimed at educating youths about the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.
Idris-Ahmad also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to grassroots collaborations, noting, “Community-based organizations and traditional institutions are vital allies in our mission to build a drug-free society.”
In his remarks, Muhammad-Danliti lauded the NDLEA’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and expressed confidence in the power of cultural sports to deliver critical awareness.
“Our goal is to join forces with NDLEA in addressing not only the drug crisis but also its role in fueling crime,” he said. “Many crimes in our communities are committed under the influence of drugs, and this partnership is a step towards ending that cycle.”
He stressed that traditional boxing will serve not just as entertainment but also as a platform for education, rehabilitation, and community involvement.
“We are determined to work with the agency to address the root causes of drug abuse and ensure it doesn’t continue spreading in Kano and beyond,” he said.
The NDLEA encouraged all stakeholders, including civil society, religious leaders, and youth groups, to support the initiative as part of the broader national strategy against illicit drug use.
