Anyone hoping to ascend a traditional throne under the Kano Emirate will now have to pass a drug test before being considered for the coveted position.
The new requirement was disclosed by the District Head of Dambatta, Dr Mansur Adnan, during a sensitisation campaign on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking held at his palace in Dambatta on Saturday.
Adnan said the decision was driven by growing concerns over the devastating impact of illicit drug use on individuals, families and communities.
According to him, the emirate now considers drug testing an important condition for prospective traditional rulers before they can ascend traditional stools.
The development was announced as traditional leaders in Dambatta Local Government Area were mobilised for a campaign aimed at tackling drug abuse and trafficking among youths.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that district and ward heads attended the sensitisation programme organised to deepen awareness about the dangers posed by illicit drugs.
The NDLEA Zonal Commander in Dambatta, Mr Zailani Muhammad, urged traditional rulers and residents to join the agency’s war against drug abuse by exposing traffickers and identifying locations where illicit drugs are sold or consumed.
Muhammad said the agency was ready to receive information, complaints and suggestions from members of the public as part of efforts to curb the menace.
He stressed that defeating drug abuse and trafficking could not be achieved by government agencies alone, urging traditional rulers, parents, teachers and other community stakeholders to work together.
The NDLEA commander also explained how drug abuse affects young people, the factors that could push youths into taking drugs and warning signs parents should look out for.
He displayed some commonly abused substances and explained the dangers associated with their use.
Adding a crime angle to the warning, the Dambatta Divisional Police Officer, SP Ibrahim Kwasarawa, said drug abuse was linked to many crimes allegedly committed by youths in communities.
Kwasarawa therefore appealed to parents to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and guide them towards responsible and productive behaviour.
The new drug-testing requirement means that, under the Kano Emirate’s announced policy, aspiring traditional rulers must now clear a drug test before taking up traditional leadership positions.
(NAN)
