DAADSA EPIDEMIC: THE EYE OPENER FOUNDATION RAISES ALARM IN KADUNA STATE

Margaret Julius

Across Nigeria, many concerned stakeholders have continued to raise awareness about the scourge that has continued to send many of our young ones into psychiatric homes and in some instances, early death.

With the speed at which this “DAADSA EPIDEMIC” is spreading in several communities in the north, especially in some notable communities in Kaduna state,
Northwest Nigeria, there is need for a more proactive approach to save the future leaders. 

The Eye Opener Women and Youth Foundation; a Non-Governmental Organization which is focused on ensuring a drug free society especially as it concerns women and youths, has over the years, been involved in creating the needed awareness on the dangers of drug abuse/misuse which has led many to untimely graves and turning many others into social misfits.

According to the National President of the “The Eye Opener Women and Youths Foundation”, Mrs. Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, “the scourge; drugs abuse/misuse by youths in the society calls for concern from all well meaning individuals if truly, we see our youths as “our future leaders of tomorrow” as they are indeed the bedrock of any nation. Therefore, it becomes imperative that all hands must be on deck to protect these tomorrow leaders from either self destruct or, protected from the evil machinations of some few”.

“DAADSA Epidemic, is simply the war against ‘drug abuse and dangerous smoking addiction’ which is capable of destroying the very fabric of societal development and growth”, says Mrs. Margaret Julius.

In Makera, one of the communities in the Kaduna South Local Government Council, The Eye Opener Women and Youth Foundation; led by its President and founder, is reputably, one of the most outstanding NGO’s that has touched the lives of the residents particularly, youths with drug related issues, educational challenges and also, how to make them become self-reliant and useful to themselves and the society.

Several women and youths who attended the most recent sensitization programme of the “Eye Opener Foundation”, tagged; “Save The Future Leaders”, poured encomiums on “Mata Pastor” as Margaret Julius is fondly referred to in the various communities, describing her “a true mother with a large and caring heart” who has brought succor to their lives despite their addictions and lifestyles that has seen many people in the society turning their backs on them.

At an emotional event which held at the Palace of the District Head of Makera, Margaret Julius appealed to individuals and well meaning personalities present at the “Save The Future Leaders” programme to see ways they can take off one youth from our streets as many are desirous of continuing their education but lack sponsorship while those who want to acquire skill acquisition, are either challenged by funding or training opportunities and are hopeful of learning one skill or trade if they are provided the needed support.

She called on traditional leaders in the communities to seek ways they can also engage the women and youths in skill acquisition programmes and training which would also make them self sufficient and not a burden to their families and society.

Speaking at the event, the District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijiani (Baradan Kudun Zazzau) commended The Eye Opener Foundation for the zeal and passion exhibited in taking off the streets, women and youths who are either involved in drugs and other social vices which are inimical to the development and growth of the community.

Alhaji Tijiani assured the TEO president of his willingness to join the campaign to eradicate drugs from the society even as he informed that his doors have always been open to all, and encouraged the youths of the community that he would ensure that none is rejected in the society if they can have a change of lifestyle.

“The habit of living on, and the use of drugs and psychotropic substances have its very negative sides which are capable of destroying lives and society itself. Stay off drugs and become useful to yourselves, families and society”, the traditional ruler appealed.

One very notable aspect of the programme was the recitation of the national anthem in the Hausa language.

This, according to one of the attendees at the event, Hajia Hauwa Aliyu is highly commendable. Reciting the Nigerian national anthem is even a challenge to many of the prominent personalities in the society including even the locals.

“If this can be replicated in the major Nigerian languages, it will do a lot of good as many will then be able to even sing it too”, Hauwa Aliyu stated.

According to TEO Founder, the translation of the national Anthem into Hausa was a way of teaching even the uneducated in the society how to recite it when it is considered that many appointees of government had found it difficult to recite it, while also, promising to see it translated into other languages across the country.