By Rabiu Sanusi
Kano State has commenced activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a public lecture focusing on national development, drug abuse, responsible citizenship and the need to strengthen democratic values.
The lecture, held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House, brought together students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, government officials and other stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence and the responsibilities of citizens in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Speaking at the occasion the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya highlighted the vision of the administration under the Kano First Agenda, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for citizens and laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.
Waiya said the future of Kano and Nigeria depends largely on the ability of government and citizens to work together in addressing challenges and creating an environment where young people can realise their potential.
The lecture also drew attention to the growing dangers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, particularly among young people. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stressed that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond individuals, affecting families, Educations, Employment, public safety and the wider community.
The NDLEA therefore called for collective action involving parents, schools, religious and traditional institutions, government agencies, security organisations and young people themselves in preventing drug abuse, supporting rehabilitation and protecting the future of the younger generation.
Another major focus of the lecture was democracy and responsible citizenship as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle. Participants emphasised that democratic participation goes beyond voting, urging citizens to engage peacefully and responsibly in the political process while respecting the rights and views of others.
An elder statesman, Gidado Mukhtar, also stressed the importance of citizens contributing positively to the democratic development of the country, noting that peace, tolerance and responsible participation remain essential to sustaining democracy.
The event provided students with an opportunity to reflect on the Nigeria they will inherit and their responsibility in shaping its future. Speakers encouraged the younger generation to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of the nation but as active stakeholders in its development.
As Nigeria approaches its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the Kano gathering served as a reminder that the country’s diversity of languages, cultures, religions and traditions can be harnessed as a source of strength and national unity.
The lecture concluded with a call for Nigerians to transform diversity into strength, democratic values into meaningful participation and the country’s youthful population into a driving force for development, peace and national progress.