LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Gombe State has taken a bold step to protect its young people with the launch of a statewide campaign against drugs, cybercrime, and social vices.Â
The initiative, dubbed CADOSA, an acronym for Campaign Against Drugs and Other Social Atrocities, was unveiled at BCG Hill on Saturday, bringing together youth leaders, government officials, and representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The campaign aims to educate, prevent, and rehabilitate young people vulnerable to substance abuse, cultism, and gender-based violence.
The Speaker of the Gombe Youth Parliament, Aliyu Danladi, described the campaign as “a movement of awareness, responsibility, and hope,” urging youths to prioritize health, discipline, and purpose over destructive habits.
READ ALSO:Senator Ned Nwoko Accuses Regina Daniels Of Drug Abuse After Viral Video Fallout
According to NDLEA data, millions of Nigerian youths are affected by drug abuse, with the North-East among the hardest-hit regions. CADOSA will run for a year, combining school outreach, community programs, social media sensitization, and radio campaigns to provide information and support to young people across the state.
According to the program partners, drug abuse is a public health issue, not a personal failing. Fauziyya Abubakar of the Drug-Free and Preventive Healthcare Organisation urged communities to support rehabilitation efforts instead of stigmatizing affected youths.
“Early education and compassionate care save lives and build productive citizens,” she said.
Government officials also highlighted the link between drug abuse and economic challenges, noting that unemployment and lack of opportunities leave youths vulnerable to addiction and crime.
CADOSA marks a strategic effort to safeguard Gombe’s next generation, blending education, prevention, and community action to create safer, healthier, and more empowered youth.
The campaign is set to spread the message that says — the future belongs to young people who choose safety, health, and responsibility over destructive paths.
