Nigerian social development advocate has called for a decisive shift toward community-driven solutions to curb rising drug abuse and youth vulnerability, warning that prevention and early intervention are the surest safeguards for long-term social stability.
Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement on public health and youth development, Diga described substance abuse as a growing threat to families, neighbourhoods and national development—particularly in underserved communities. He argued that lasting solutions must move beyond enforcement to embrace education, counselling and broad-based community participation.
Diga, who is Founder and Executive Director of , said the organisation’s work focuses on community education, drug-abuse prevention, youth empowerment and public health awareness. Through grassroots initiatives, the foundation has promoted awareness of the dangers of substance abuse while offering positive alternatives for at-risk youths.
“Community education remains one of the most sustainable tools in tackling drug-related challenges,” Diga said. “When families, religious institutions, schools and local leaders take ownership of prevention, the impact is deeper and more enduring.”
Participants at the engagement underscored the expanding role of civil society organisations in complementing government efforts on drug demand reduction and youth development. They stressed that strong partnerships between public institutions and grassroots groups are vital to reaching vulnerable populations often missed by top-down programmes.
Diga also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in social interventions, noting that trust and measurable outcomes are essential to sustaining public support. He added that clear monitoring and reporting frameworks ensure resources are used effectively and that programmes deliver real impact.
As Nigeria grapples with the social and economic fallout of substance abuse, stakeholders increasingly point to community-based models as a practical pathway to prevention, rehabilitation and lasting behavioural change—an approach Diga insists must begin at the grassroots and grow outward.
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