Karu LG Chairman, Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki
The Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, has reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives that promote drug abuse prevention, public health, and youth development, describing the Caleb Initiative for Drug Abuse Awareness (CIDAA Foundation) as a strategic partner in building healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
The Chairman, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Bulus, gave the assurance at the World Drug Day 2026 Symposium organised by the Caleb Initiative for Drug Abuse Awareness (CIDAA Foundation) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Youth Centre, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
The symposium was held under the theme, “Community Action for Drug Abuse Prevention and Public Health.”
Representing the Executive Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Bulus commended CIDAA Foundation for its leadership in promoting drug abuse prevention through advocacy, public education, and strategic partnerships.
He described the Foundation’s efforts as timely and impactful, particularly in mobilising communities to address substance abuse through preventive and evidence-based interventions.
He stated that the administration of Hon. Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki remains committed to supporting programmes that protect young people, strengthen families, and improve public health outcomes.
He noted that the Local Government recognizes drug abuse as a critical social and public health challenge requiring a coordinated response from government, communities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations.
Hon. Bulus further reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to continue partnering with CIDAA Foundation and other stakeholders to expand awareness campaigns, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage early intervention, and support community-based initiatives that reduce the prevalence and impact of substance abuse across Karu Local Government Area.
In his address, the Executive Director of the Caleb Initiative for Drug Abuse Awareness (CIDAA Foundation), Amb. Jeremiah Caleb Onyedikachi, expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, for his administration’s support and commitment to advancing public health and community development.
Amb. Onyedikachi emphasized that effective responses to substance use disorders must combine evidence-based prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, recovery support, and social reintegration while respecting the dignity and human rights of affected persons. He called on all stakeholders to strengthen community ownership of drug abuse prevention through sustained collaboration, youth empowerment, public education, and accessible support services.
The symposium brought together government officials, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), healthcare professionals, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Karu Youth Association, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional and religious leaders, educators, students from various secondary and tertiary institutions, youth organisations, and development partners, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advancing community-led, evidence-based approaches to drug abuse prevention and public health.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, promote public health, uphold human dignity, and implement sustainable community-driven interventions that will build healthier, safer, and drug-free communities across Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, and Nigeria.
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