NAWOJ Kano Holds Ramadan Lecture on Drug Abuse, Distributes Welfare Packages to Members
The Kano State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has organized a Ramadan lecture focusing on the effects of drug abuse, as part of efforts to enlighten women journalists and the wider public on the dangers of substance abuse in society.
The lecture, facilitated by Ambassador Maryam Hassan of the League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse (LESPADA), was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano, bringing together women journalists and stakeholders to discuss the growing concern of drug abuse.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Kano State Chapter, Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara, explained that the Ramadan lecture is the third organized by the association since the beginning of her tenure.
She noted that the initiative was designed to create awareness and educate journalists as well as the general public on the harmful consequences of drug abuse, with the aim of reducing the increasing menace in Kano State.
According to her, women journalists play a critical role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness on societal challenges through responsible and impactful reporting.
“As journalists, we must use our platforms to educate society and help address social problems such as drug abuse that threaten the future of our communities,” she said.
The event also featured an Islamic perspective, as renowned Islamic scholar Sayyida Zam’atu Shaikh Nasir Kabara delivered a sermon highlighting the spiritual importance of the holy month of Ramadan.
She urged Muslims to use the period for self-discipline, moral reflection, and avoidance of harmful acts, including substance abuse, stressing that Ramadan is a time for personal reform and spiritual growth.
In his remarks, veteran journalist and academic from Bayero University Kano, Dr. Bala Muhammad, described the lecture as timely and commendable, noting that such initiatives help promote awareness and positive change in society.
Dr. Bala also pledged to support the professional development of women journalists by offering a free training programme on Master of Ceremony (MC) and event management after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He explained that the training would help equip women journalists with additional communication and presentation skills that could enhance their professional growth.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including veteran women journalists and representatives of civil society organizations such as the Nigeria Labour Congress and LESPADA.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that NAWOJ Kano also distributed Ramadan welfare packages to members and participants at the end of the lecture to support them during the holy month.
Participants commended NAWOJ Kano for organizing the programme and stressed the need for continued collaboration among journalists, government agencies, and civil society organizations to combat drug abuse and promote social wellbeing in Kano State.