Some youth in Sokoto State have agreed to a peace deal promising to stop taking drugs after mediation efforts by the Sokoto State Women Mediators Network operating under the RECAP Project, with funding from the European Union.
The youth signed a Peace and Withdrawal from Drug Abuse Accord at a community gathering, attended by government officials, traditional leaders, womens groups plus other stakeholders.
Bashari and Dahiru, two recipients, stated that joblessness and anger were key reasons driving young people toward drug misuse. They praised the Women Mediators Network for stepping in and backing their choice to stop using drugs.
Zaliha Tahir Maiakwai, Chairperson of the Women Mediators Network, stated that the group, which began operations on 15 May 2026 within 10 local government areas, aims to utilize mediation and community involvement to tackle issues impacting youth.
Zainab Bello Aliyu, Esq., Chairperson of FIDA Sokoto, praised this move, calling it something other womens organizations should try to copy.
Umar Faruk Garba, Vice Chairman of Sokoto South Local Government, stated that the administration stays dedicated to maintaining peace and empowering young people. He encouraged youths to adopt government skills-training initiatives so they can achieve independence and restated the administrations stance against violent behavior.
Sani Umar Jabbi, District Head of Gagi, asked that youths get mobilized better to act as useful people within society and told all stakeholders they need to guard these young ones against drug abuse and political violence.
Sanusi Audu, Project Manager at International Alert Nigeria, praised the Women Mediators Network regarding the intervention and stated that the organization maintains ongoing backing for such programs, especially those fostering peace and tackling issues impacting youth.
Professor Tanko Yahaya Baba urged continued funding for youth, schooling, skill learning, jobs and local aid so kids stay away from drugs and fighting. The event included a football game between young people as part of attempts to get them to welcome a fresh start at living.
The Sokoto State Women Mediators Network received prior training from the RECAP Consortium regarding mediation, case management, spotting conflict drivers and resolving conflicts.
