BBF-PCR Ambassadors hold School Outreach on drug abuse, Internet fraud in Niger

BBF-PCR Ambassadors hold School Outreach on drug abuse, Internet fraud in Niger

By Abubakar Hassan

The Personal Change Reform (PCR) Ambassadors, an arm of the Basira Bashir Foundation (BBF), have organized a one-day school outreach programme to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and internet fraud among young people in Niger State.

The event, themed “Catch Them Young: Say No to Drugs and Internet Fraud,” was held on Wednesday at Model Primary School, Kuta, in Shiroro Local Government Area. It attracted pupils and students from about seven primary and secondary schools, alongside parents, teachers, and other key stakeholders.

In a keynote address, the founder and initiator of BBF-PCR Ambassadors, Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu Tachi, expressed concern over the rising involvement of youths in drug abuse and cybercrime across the country.

Represented by the Coordinator of Kuta Study Centre of the Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Dr. Muhammad Sani, the professor urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing, particularly their movements and peer associations, to promptly detect and address negative behavioural changes.

He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to youth development, stressing the need for collective efforts in shaping responsible individuals who will contribute meaningfully to society. He also commended the PCR Ambassadors for organizing what he described as a timely and impactful programme.

Speaking on internet fraud, guest lecturer Comrade Umar Faruq Garba described the act, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” as a form of criminal deception aimed at stealing money and sensitive information from victims.

He referenced concerns raised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), noting that its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had disclosed that a significant number of Nigerian university students are involved in cybercrime.

Garba highlighted common forms of internet fraud, including romance scams, phishing, identity theft, and Ponzi schemes, warning that offenders risk prison terms ranging from three to 20 years under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.

He further attributed the trend to factors such as unemployment and poverty, while emphasizing the emotional and financial toll on victims. He urged young people to pursue legitimate paths through education, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition, rather than seeking quick wealth through illegal means.

Also speaking, an Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kuta outpost in Shiroro Local Government Area, Mr. Danjuma Bisallah CNA, emphasized prevention as a key strategy in combating drug abuse. He noted that proper education equips individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed and healthy lifestyle choices.

Mr. Bisallah educated participants on different categories of drugs, including prescribed medications, socially accepted substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, and illegal drugs like cannabis and cocaine. He identified peer pressure, unemployment, emotional stress, and environmental factors as major drivers of drug abuse among youths.

He also highlighted early warning signs such as behavioural changes, poor academic performance, and declining health, while outlining stages of drug abuse from experimentation to addiction. According to him, the consequences include serious health complications, mental disorders, and social challenges such as crime and family breakdown.

The NDLEA officer called for collective action among parents, teachers, and community leaders, advocating preventive education and the establishment of drug-free clubs in schools to curb the menace.

In his welcome address, Alhaji Umaru Lokoja stated that Prof. Nuhu Tachi founded the Basira Bashir Foundation (BBF) in honour of his late daughter to promote community development, while Alhaji Yahuza Isah Erena commended him for supporting initiatives of BBF through its windows, like PCR, scholarships, and Da’awa, and for empowering young people, as he also appreciated the strong turnout of stakeholders and ward heads at the event.

The event also featured goodwill messages from invited guests, school representatives, and other stakeholders, as well as drama presentations by the Janzaki Cultural Group, student performances, interactive sessions, and the distribution of educational materials and tokens.