In a strategic move to combat substance abuse among Nigerian youths, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria–Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG), officially launched Phase 2 of the Youth Against Drug Abuse (YADA) initiative. The announcement was made during the 6th Annual National Conference of PSN-YPG, held in Kano from 6 to 11 July.
The launch of YADA Phase 2 was formally declared by NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, during her keynote address at the conference’s opening ceremony. The initiative, a school-based drug abuse prevention model, is set to be implemented across seven states, targeting eight secondary schools in each state over a six-month period. With a projected reach of 16,800 students and 3,920 parents and guardians, YADA is poised to become one of Nigeria’s most impactful grassroots interventions against youth drug abuse.
Adeyeye stressed that tackling adolescent drug and substance abuse is a public health and national security priority. She underscored that sustainable medicine security cannot be achieved without addressing the surge in substance misuse, calling for legislative frameworks that transform health policies into practical, impactful action. According to her, the YADA project exemplifies policy evolving into measurable social impact.
NAFDAC’s collaboration with PSN-YPG reflects a multi-sectoral approach to public health advocacy and capacity-building. Speaking during the NAFDAC-YADA Marathon Walk Against Drug Abuse, PSN-YPG National Chairman, Pharmacist Tekena George, commended the agency’s leadership and reaffirmed the commitment of young pharmacists across the country to take the fight against drug abuse to every community and school.
Themed “Politics, Policies and Pills: Young Pharmacists at the Intersection of Governance and Medicine Security in Nigeria”, the 6th Annual National Conference provided the ideal platform for the YADA Phase 2 rollout. Hosted in Kano State, the event brought together pharmacists, policymakers, industry leaders, and youth advocates in a shared mission to advance professional growth and strengthen the national health system.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the address by the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Mohammed Musa Zango, who urged young pharmacists to step forward into leadership and governance roles. He shared his “7 Cs” formula for success, comprising: Competence, Confidence, Communication, Courage, Consistency, Collaboration, and Change.
Also speaking was the Royal Father of the Day, Pharmacist Ahmed I. Yakasai, who encouraged young professionals to actively engage in shaping healthcare policy. “If you are not at the table, you will be on the menu,” he warned, urging purposeful and courageous involvement in national affairs.
The conference also included a policy-focused excursion to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano—the first of its kind in Nigeria—where delegates explored a centralised pharmaceutical distribution model crucial to medicine security.
Additional sessions included a Business Roundtable and a Supply Chain Symposium, where industry leaders charted pathways for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical development. Speaking at the roundtable, Pharmacist Taofik Odukoya, CEO of Vanguard Pharmacy Ltd., challenged participants to take bold steps: “You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do. Fantasise, rehearse, and go ahead and do it.”
Cultural and social elements enriched the event’s policy-driven agenda. A vibrant cultural night saw the Igbo delegation win the top prize, while the national football matches added a competitive spirit— the South triumphed in the female match (6–5), while the North secured a narrow win in the male match (1–0).
Another major highlight was the unveiling of PSN-YPG’s annual conference magazine, The Pharmacy Post, which was publicly presented during the opening ceremony and symbolically launched by distinguished guests and partners.
The conference ended on a high note with an award ceremony recognising sponsors and key contributors, alongside the announcement that Delta State will host the 2026 edition of the PSN-YPG Annual National Conference.
With Phase 2 of the YADA initiative now underway and a revitalised commitment from young pharmacists, the 6th PSN-YPG National Conference marks a defining chapter in Nigeria’s campaign for a drug-free generation and a more resilient pharmaceutical sector.
