Day 8 – WFADs 16 Days of Activism on Empowering Marginalised Populations with the Eye Opener Foundation

In Nigeria, people with physical disabilities (PWDs), especially women and vulnerable girls, face heightened risks of substance misuse due to societal discrimination, poverty, and limited support. To address this, The Eye Opener Youth and Women Foundation launched a pioneering five-year trauma-informed Substance Use Disorder (SUD) prevention initiative in Northern Nigeria. Central to the project is the Tobacco and Substance Abstinence Club, recognized by the WHO’s No Tobacco Award (Africa Region) in 2024. Over 150 PWDs, including women and vulnerable children, have benefited from inclusive, culturally relevant training, including a Science-Based Train-the-Trainer program in Hausa. Creative outlets like prevention-themed poetry and free club jackets further empower participants, fostering resilience and career aspirations in SUD prevention. This initiative, Nigeria’s first dedicated Drug Demand Reduction program for PWDs, offers a sustainable, inclusive model addressing gender and youth vulnerabilities while building resilient, drug-free communities.

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