The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, has organized a Ramadan lecture to raise awareness about the effects of drug abuse among journalists and the general public.
The lecture, hold in (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano, was facilitated by Ambassador Maryam Hassan of the League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse (LESPADA).
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The event aimed to enlighten participants on the growing dangers of substance abuse and the need for collective action to address the problem.
Speaking at the programme, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Kano, Sayyada Ba’ijjah Mallam Kabara, said the lecture was the third Ramadan enlightenment programme organized by the association since she assumed office.
Baijjah explained that the initiative was designed to educate journalists and members of the public on the harmful consequences of drug abuse, which continues to affect many communities.
According to her, women journalists play an important role in shaping public opinion and creating awareness about social problems through responsible reporting.
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An Islamic scholar Sayyada Zam’atu Shaikh Nasiru Kabara also delivered a sermon during the event, highlighting the spiritual importance of the holy month of Ramadan.
She urged Muslims to use the period for self-discipline, moral improvement, and to stay away from harmful activities, including drug abuse.
In his remarks, a veteran journalist and lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Dr Bala Muhammad, described the lecture as timely and commended NAWOJ for organizing an awareness programme that addresses pressing social challenges.
Dr. Bala also pledged to support the professional growth of women journalists by offering a free training programme on Master of Ceremony (MC) and event management to NAWOJ members after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He noted that the training, which usually costs ₦50,000 per participant, would be provided free as his contribution to mentoring upcoming media professionals.
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The event attracted several notable personalities, including the Secretary of the NUJ Kano State Council, Hauwa Zahraddeen, who represented the NUJ Chairman, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi. Others in attendance were Hadiza Kushiri of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr. Khadija MS Aliyu of LESPADA, Hussaina Bichi, Director of News at Abubakar Rimi Television, as well as Salamatu Jahun, Aisha (Gajiya) of the National Orientation Agency, and Salma Yusuf of Freedom Radio Kano.
Participants at the lecture commended NAWOJ Kano for the initiative and called for stronger collaboration among journalists, government agencies, and civil society groups to tackle drug abuse and promote social wellbeing in Kano State.
