THE Invest in Our Future initiative, a youth-centered project, has made significant strides in addressing the pressing issues of drug abuse and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kano, Nigeria.
Launched on August 24, 2024, this initiative empowers vulnerable young people by providing them with essential skills in tie-dye and tailoring, offering them pathways to economic independence.
The project, spearheaded by Khadija Sulaiman Jebu, a Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumna, alumni team members alongside experts from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Foundation for Legal Empowerment (FLF), carried out a series of sensitization activities in local communities across Kano State.
These communities have historically lacked access to development resources and have been disproportionately affected by the twin challenges of drug abuse and SGBV.
The first sensitization session took place in Gezawa Local Government Area (LGA), where the team educated 70 men and 50 women on the dangers of drug abuse and the impact of SGBV. Two days later, on August 26, a second session was held in Minjibir LGA, where 100 men were sensitized.
Further engagements took place in Kuyan Inna, Kumbotso LGA, and in Dala LGA, specifically targeting low-ranked soldiers in the Barracks community. These soldiers are often vulnerable to drug abuse and the exploitation of young girls.
Each session followed a structured approach that included interactive presentations, group discussions, role-playing activities, and Q&A segments. Educational materials were distributed to reinforce the lessons learned, ensuring that the knowledge shared could be referenced by participants in the future.
On September 3, 2024, the project organized a high-profile seminar that brought together key law enforcement agencies, including the NDLEA, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps.
This seminar focused on fostering collaborative efforts in combating drug abuse and SGBV, with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations on the importance of economic empowerment for vulnerable populations.
In the weeks that followed, the **Invest in Our Future** team turned their focus to skill acquisition programs. From September 5 to 11, a tie-dye workshop was conducted for 20 young men aged 16 to 25, many of whom had completed rehabilitation programs or were at risk of succumbing to societal pressures.
Participants were introduced to essential tie-dye techniques, such as batik, shibori, and ombre. To ensure that these young men could turn their newly acquired skills into viable businesses, additional training was provided in pricing, marketing, and sales strategies.
From September 12 to 18, the initiative hosted a tailoring training program for 20 young women, aged 16 to 25. These women, many of whom were survivors or at risk of SGBV, learned critical skills such as garment construction, pattern-making, cutting, and sewing. This component of the project was particularly significant, as research indicates that 1 in 3 Nigerian women experiences violence by the age of 15.
To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, a permanent training center has been established in partnership with the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and **Bella and Bloom**, a local fashion brand, at the 3-Brigade Barracks in Kano. This center will continue to offer a safe space for young women to further develop their skills and pursue sustainable livelihoods.
The **Invest in Our Future** initiative concluded on September 20 with a graduation ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of 40 empowered young men and women. These graduates are now equipped with valuable skills that will enable them to achieve economic independence and contribute positively to their communities.
In total, over 400 participants were sensitized on the dangers of drug abuse and SGBV, marking a significant step toward building a more secure, educated, and empowered society in Kano.
This project not only addresses critical social issues but also provides young people with the tools they need to thrive economically, ultimately aiming to foster long-term development and stability in the region.
Sincere appreciation to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the YES program, American Councils and IRIS for their invaluable support. A special thank you to my partner organizations; NAIHD, GGI Nigeria, NDLEA, FLF, Bella and Bloom and The Eventors for their contributions in making this project a success.
