Kaduna witnessed a momentous occasion as the Eye Opener Youth and Women Foundation hosted the first-ever graduation ceremony for the Training of Trainers (ToT) program on Substance Use Disorder (SUD) for People With Physical Disabilities (PWPDs) in Nigeria. This remarkable achievement by the Foundation, a renowned Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and multiple recipient of the WHO World No Tobacco Award (WNT) in the Africa region, took place in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The event, organized by the Tobacco and Substance Abstinence Club of the Eye Opener Youth and Women Foundation, also featured the launch of 20 new poems dedicated to SUD treatment and recovery professionals. These poems added value to an existing collection of 80 prevention poems.

The ceremony commenced with the Nigerian national anthem and was skillfully anchored by Malam Lawal Magaji, the Kaduna State Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Hausa Program Coordinator.

During the occasion, Dr. Omolara Ibrahim, Head of Treatment Services at the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse (KADBUSA), represented the Hon. Commissioner for Health and Director General of KADBUSA. Dr. Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s efforts and conveyed a commitment to future collaboration on Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) initiatives.

Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, Deputy State Commander Operations, represented the NDLEA Kaduna State Commander. He shed light on the misuse of individuals with physical disabilities by drug traffickers and urged the graduands to utilize their newly acquired knowledge to stay drug-free. He also encouraged them to serve as prevention ambassadors.

Hajiya Rakiya A. Unar, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, represented the Hon. Commissioner for Women and Humanitarian Affairs. She expressed satisfaction with the students’ presentations and promised to ensure that the graduands make good use of their training. Hajiya Unar also urged the students to abstain from drugs and become prevention ambassadors in their respective local governments.

Alhaji Rilwan Mohammed Abdullahi, National President of the Association of Physically Challenged People of Nigeria, commended the initiative and praised the groundbreaking nature of the program. He pledged to expand its scope nationwide.

Mrs. Gormwa Gotus, the 2024 WHO WNT Award Winner in the Africa region and a prevention educator for PWPDs in Kaduna State, welcomed the dignitaries and guests. She emphasized the training’s goal of helping individuals with physical disabilities avoid smoking and drug abuse. Mrs. Gotus highlighted that the vocational training provided by the Eye Opener Foundation enables even those unable to read or write to understand the importance of abstinence.

Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, CEO and Founder of “The Eye Opener Tobacco and Substance Abstinence Club,” and an alumnus of Ecolink Institute of Well-Being India: 2024 global leadership award winner, spoke about the club’s holistic approach to combating drug misuse and smoking addiction. She emphasized that the club aims to serve all communities and groups without discrimination. The training is conducted in languages best understood by the beneficiaries. Mrs. Julius mentioned that the Foundation is hopeful for future financial support or grants.

Miss Vanessa Adeshola Julius, President of the Tobacco Substance Abstinence Club for Biblical Approach on Children and Teenager SUD Prevention in Nigeria, launched the 20 new poems for those under SUD treatment and recovery. She recited several selections, captivating the audience with her powerful delivery.

The representative of the Commandant of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVIS) urged the graduates to utilize their training effectively and report any attempts to involve them in drug-related activities.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of graduation certificates and free jackets to the 16 graduating students. These students also made impactful presentations on the effects of drug abuse and smoking. The graduands are: Dalhatu Yahaya, Ridwan U. Iliyasu, Usman Abdullahi, Sagir Yasha’u, Abdulkarim Adamu, Buhari Salisu, Ramatu Alhassan, Firdausi Aliyu, Ruth Falayi, Patience Markus, Rakiya Daniel, Mohammed Abubakar, Auwal Ibrahim, Rabiu Sani, Addaillu Abubakar, and Bala Aminu Ibrahim.

The event was graced by other distinguished guests, including Mrs. Hajara Silas Bala, HOD Training and Empowerment, Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board; Mrs. Esther Yohanna, Center Manager, Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board Kaduna South Center; Hajiya Zainab Tanko, Social Welfare Officer, Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board Kaduna South Center; Mai Angu