By Sahel Reporters, Yola
In a determined effort to confront the rising challenges of drug abuse and youth-related violence, the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Betso Charity Foundation, the Adamawa State Government, and other stakeholders, has launched a two-day seminar titled “Pathways to Peace.”
The initiative aims to equip young people with essential life skills and psychosocial support to foster peace and stability across the state.
The seminar, which opened in Yola on Wednesday, brought together key stakeholders who highlighted the importance of youth empowerment and community resilience in addressing insecurity and social vices.
Held under the theme “Addressing Drug Misuse, Addiction, and Armed Violence in Adamawa State by Empowering Youth Through Life Skills and Psychosocial Support,” the programme reflects a proactive approach by development partners to combat the state’s growing social challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, the Adamawa State Coordinator of the NEDC, Barr. Khalifa M. Lawan, decried the devastating effects of drug abuse on individuals and communities. He noted that substance misuse not only destroys physical and mental health but also fuels criminal behavior and destabilizes societies.
Barr. Lawan urged the youth to resist peer pressure and the temptation of substance abuse, emphasizing that living a drug-free life is essential to achieving personal goals and ensuring the state’s progress. He encouraged participants to make the most of the seminar’s opportunities to acquire skills that would help them live meaningful and productive lives.
Representatives from partner organizations, including the Betso Charity Foundation and other NGOs, delivered goodwill messages reiterating their commitment to supporting vulnerable young people through training, mentorship, and psychosocial interventions.
The Pathways to Peace seminar is designed to build resilience, enhance self-reliance, and promote dialogue among communities. It represents a major step toward curbing drug abuse and youth violence in Adamawa State while advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Sahel Reporters News
