Emir Sanusi II Calls for Revival of Traditional Values to Tackle Drug Abuse in Kano

The Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged the revival of traditional value systems as a key strategy in combating the growing menace of drug abuse in the state.

Speaking through the District Head of Shanono, Dankade Kado, Dr. Bashir Mohammad, at a three-day Stakeholders Summit on Drug Abuse themed “Strength in Unity – A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Combating Drug Abuse in Kano,” the Emir described drug abuse as “a direct assault on the dignity of society.”

He warned that the crisis threatens not only the future of young people but also the moral integrity of Kano’s social structure.

“Losing a young person to drugs means losing a lineage, a dream, and a future,” the Emir said.
Sanusi stressed that no single institution can address the drug problem alone, calling for coordinated collaboration involving security agencies, traditional leaders, healthcare providers, clerics, parents, and community groups.

He recalled that Kano’s forefathers built strong systems anchored on mentorship, discipline, communal responsibility, and moral upbringing structures that safeguarded families and prevented social decay for generations.

“In those days, every child belonged to the entire community. Every elder was a moral compass,” he said, urging traditional rulers, imams, youth leaders, and parents to “awaken the structures that once protected us.”

The Emir called for intensified community involvement in awareness campaigns, stigma reduction, rehabilitation, and reintegration of affected youths, noting that “every child saved is a future restored.”

He also commended the Kano Reformative Centre (KRC) and other partners for their dedication to restoring dignity and hope among young people, pledging the continued support of the Emirate Council.

In her welcome address, Chief Coordinator of the Kano Reformative Centre, Cheryl Aminta Kwagga, reaffirmed that the fight against drug abuse demands unity and shared responsibility.

She noted that the KRC witnesses the daily consequences of drug addiction, including broken homes, shattered dreams, rising insecurity, and youths slipping into hopelessness.
“No single agency or sector can curb drug abuse alone. Real victory lies in collective action, shared strategies, and sustained collaboration,” she said.

The summit aims to strengthen partnerships among security agencies, traditional authorities, medical experts, educators, NGOs, parents, and policymakers.

Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, emphasized the vital role of media in the fight against drug abuse.

He urged radio stationsgiven Kano’s status as a highly radio-engaged society—to create sustained educational programs targeting grassroots communities.

“The media must complement government efforts by enlightening the public and shaping attitudes toward drug abuse,” he said.

The summit continues with panel discussions, strategy sessions, and community engagement plans aimed at curbing drug abuse across Kano State.