The Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Dr. Murtala Musa, has described sports as a veritable tool for curbing drug abuse among youths, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between sports authorities and anti-drug agencies to address the growing challenge.
Dr. Musa made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), where he sought to strengthen partnership efforts aimed at promoting a drug-free society through sports and youth engagement programmes.
According to him, the Commission plans to reintroduce the Inter-Local Government Sports Competition, a flagship event involving all 44 local government areas of the state. He said the competition would not only discover sporting talents but also serve as a platform for educating young people on the dangers of drug abuse.
The Acting Chairman noted that sports provide opportunities for wealth creation, self-development and positive social engagement, urging youths to embrace sporting activities as a pathway to a productive future.
Dr. Musa also commended the leadership of the NDLEA Kano State Command for the warm reception accorded to his delegation and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles among young people.
Responding, the Kano State NDLEA Commander, Dahiru Lawan Yahya, said the agency's operations are built on key pillars, including the arrest and prosecution of offenders, preventive education and advocacy, as well as youth empowerment and community engagement.
He welcomed the Sports Commission’s initiative and assured the agency’s readiness to collaborate in the sustained fight against drug abuse across the state.
Yahya further urged youths to stay away from illicit substances and channel their energies into productive activities that contribute to personal growth and societal development.
The visit highlighted the commitment of both organisations to promoting youth development, healthy living and a drug-free Kano State through sustained collaboration and public enlightenment campaigns.