ANNUAL WOMEN NATIONAL SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING
The National President of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Her Royal Highness Princess Edna DD Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), attended the Annual Women National Sensitization Workshop themed “The Role of Nigerian Women in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking,” held at Conference Room 231, Senate Wing, National Assembly, Abuja on Thursday, 30th April 2026. The event, convened under the chairmanship of Chief Mrs. Dr. Muidat Folasade Tinubu Ojo (Iyaloja), brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and advocates, including representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), civil society organizations, and women leaders across the country. The NCWS National President was accompanied by a National Officer and other Council members, reinforcing the Council’s strong commitment to safeguarding families and communities from the dangers of drug abuse.
The workshop featured high-level goodwill messages and technical sessions, with notable participation from distinguished dignitaries, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and other national figures. The gathering created a strategic platform to examine the growing challenges of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, while highlighting the critical role women play as frontline protectors of the home and society. Discussions emphasized the urgency of collective action, stronger policies, and sustained community engagement in addressing the drug crisis.
A major highlight of the workshop was the detailed and impactful lecture delivered by Commander Shehu Lamina of the NDLEA, Deputy Director of Prevention and Sensitization at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja. With over three decades of experience in drug law enforcement, he provided an in-depth analysis of drug abuse, beginning with clear definitions, the root causes, and emerging trends. He stressed that beyond individual choices, societal and cultural influences are increasingly contributing to the normalization of drug use, particularly among young people. He further presented alarming statistics, noting that millions of Nigerians are affected by drug use, with a significant number requiring urgent intervention and rehabilitation. His session was widely regarded as insightful, practical, and educative, equipping participants with knowledge on prevention, early detection, and community-based response strategies.
In her address, Princess Edna DD Azura (Kwatam Mutaku) spoke passionately on the urgent need for mothers and caregivers to take a more active role in the upbringing of children and young people. She emphasized that the fight against drug abuse must begin at home, where values are formed and behaviors shaped. She called on mothers to pay closer attention to their children, cautioning them against negative influences and guiding them toward positive life choices. She further encouraged parents to actively engage young people in productive ventures such as skills acquisition, education, and entrepreneurship, noting that idle minds are more vulnerable to drug-related temptations.
The NCWS National President also highlighted the importance of advocacy, urging women leaders at all levels to speak out against societal ills affecting women and children, including drug abuse, violence, and exploitation. Drawing from ongoing national concerns, she stressed that silence in the face of injustice only enables the continuation of harmful practices. She called on state presidents and women leaders to remain vigilant, responsive, and vocal on issues within their communities, ensuring that the voices of women and children are heard and protected.
Furthermore, she underscored the need for stronger legislative frameworks and the effective implementation of policies aimed at combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. She advocated for sustained collaboration between government institutions, law enforcement agencies such as the NDLEA, and civil society organizations, emphasizing that a united approach is essential in building a safer and healthier nation. She reiterated that women, as key influencers in families and communities, must be at the forefront of supporting and driving these efforts.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen partnerships, and promote preventive strategies across communities. Participants acknowledged the critical role of continuous sensitization, policy support, and grassroots engagement in addressing the drug menace. The presence and contributions of the NCWS National President and her delegation added significant value to the discussions, reinforcing the Council’s leadership role in national advocacy for the protection and development of women and children in Nigeria.
Princess Edna D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku),
National President,
National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria.
