The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Chapter, is set to convene a high-level public lecture bringing together key religious leaders, security chiefs and community stakeholders to address the growing challenges of insecurity and drug abuse in Nigeria.
The lecture, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Central Area, Abuja, will focus on mobilising faith-based and community-driven responses to violent crime and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Public Relations Officer of MURIC Abuja Chapter, Lukman Laleye Babalola, said the lecture is themed “Towards Changing the Narrative on Insecurity and Drug Abuse in Nigeria for Better,” with a special focus on the role of religious communities in promoting moral values, peace and social responsibility.
He noted that insecurity and drug abuse have continued to undermine national stability, public safety and youth development, stressing that religious institutions must play a proactive role alongside government and security agencies.
Prominent speakers at the event include Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of MURIC; Mr. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); and Hajia Rahma Musa Sani, Deputy Ameera, Women in Da’wah.
In a show of interfaith collaboration, Rev. Dr. Simon A. S. Dolly-KIF, HFCDA, Zonal Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North Central, will attend as Christian Guest of Honour, alongside other senior religious and community leaders.
Also expected are RT. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the NDLEA, and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, both serving as Special Guests of Honour, underscoring the security dimension of the dialogue.
The programme will be chaired by Prof. Abba Gambo, FHSN, Agricultural Adviser to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, while Hajia Amina A. Abdullahi, mni, Ameera of Al-Ansar (The Helpers), will serve as Chairperson.
Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Nasarawa, HRH Alh. Ibrahim Usman Jibril, and the Gomo of Kuje, HRH Alh. Haruna Jibril Tanko, are also expected to attend.
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MURIC said the lecture aims to foster collective responsibility, strengthen interfaith cooperation and promote practical solutions to insecurity and drug abuse through moral reorientation, advocacy and community engagement.
The event will be hosted by Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, Chairman of MURIC Abuja Chapter, and is open to members of the public, youth groups, faith leaders and civil society organisations.
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