By Queen Kunde
In a bold move to stem the alarming rise of drug abuse in Nigeria’s capital city, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has initiated a strategic collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat substance abuse through stigma-free media reporting.
The initiative, which seeks to change the way drug abuse is portrayed in the media especially involving women and girls was unveiled during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ FCT to NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, said the increasing cases of drug abuse among young people, particularly females, require urgent and sensitive attention from journalists. She warned that sensational and judgmental reporting could hinder rehabilitation efforts and reinforce dangerous stereotypes.
“As women journalists, we are alarmed by the growing cases of substance abuse, especially among girls and women in Abuja. Many of these stories go untold or are presented in ways that cause further harm,” she said. “That’s why we’re calling for a new narrative one of empathy, healing, and factual reporting.”
To kick off the campaign, NAWOJ FCT is proposing a one-day intensive training workshop for 100 female journalists across the FCT, titled “How to Report Drug Abuse Without Stigmatization.”The program aims to equip reporters with the skills to handle drug-related stories ethically and constructively.
Comrade Ita-Ikpang applauded the NDLEA’s relentless efforts in fighting drug trafficking and addiction, and expressed confidence that the partnership would produce a national model for responsible drug abuse reporting.
In his response, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who represented NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd), endorsed the proposal and pledged the agency’s full backing.
“The statistics are sobering over 14.3 million Nigerians use drugs, nearly three times the global average,” Babafemi noted. “The media is a critical stakeholder in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. We welcome this initiative and will work closely with NAWOJ to ensure its success.”
He also revealed that the agency would present the proposal to its local and international partners for possible funding and technical support.
The partnership is expected to redefine how the Nigerian media addresses drug-related issues, shifting the focus from criminalization to rehabilitation, education, and reintegration.
With this landmark collaboration, NAWOJ FCT and the NDLEA are set to chart a new course in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse.
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