Nag’biegu Dance: North America Dema Naa’s Traditional Step towards a Drug-Free Dagbon
North America Dema-Naa Basha Ibrahim Iddrisu, in collaboration with Dagbon Dema Na-Nima (Entertainment Chiefs), on Saturday, August 24, 2024 hosted a traditional Nag’biegu dance event at the ZAA Plaza forecourt, home to Tamale-based ZAA Multimedia. The event aimed to raise awareness about drug abuse in Dagbon and the northern region. The event convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts, including clinical psychologists, mental health officers, crime prevention specialists, and educators, to enlighten the youth about the perils of drug abuse and trafficking.
In the lead-up to the event, Dema-Naa Basha Iddrisu took to various Tamale-based radio and TV stations to discuss the alarming rise of drug abuse, urging young people to reduce their drug intake due to its severe health consequences and long-term effects on their future well-being. He also embarked on a health walk with other Dagbon Entertainment Chiefs, opinion leaders, and youth to create awareness about the dangers of drug usage.
“As a community, we have a responsibility to protect our children and future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” Dema-Naa Basha Iddrisu stated.
“I appeal to all to work together to protect the future of our youth and Dagbon as a whole. Let us raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, support those struggling with addiction, prevent drug abuse in our communities, and build a safer and healthier future for our children.” Naa Basha Iddrisu stressed.
Chief Alhaji Muhammad Umar, Tunŋ Lana of Yelizoli and Dagombas Chief of North America, voiced his concern over the absence of a rehabilitation center in the Northern Region, where drug addiction among young people has reached alarming levels. He made a passionate appeal to politicians and the government to urgently establish a rehabilitation center and collaborate on initiatives to reduce the prevalence of illicit drug use among the youth, particularly in Dagbon.
“Private individuals alone cannot prevent drug taking in the Northern region or in Dagbon. We need your help,” Chief Tunŋ-Lana added
The success of the event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several notable Dagbon Dema Nanima, including: Sagnarigu, Dema-Naa Mohammed Abdul-Somed, Chairman of the Dema Nanima in Dagbon, Kunyevilla, Nyohini, Kalpohin, Gumo, Wavogu, Gbabishe, Kparigil, Lahagu, Futa, Wamale, Farzini, Bukpamo, Dakoema, Yong Duuni, Kakpagu, Kukpegu, Kpanvo, Yagyiri, Changli, Kpambei, Bilpela, Dakpem, Kukuo, Gbiligi, Tampion, Bagli Dakpem, Chanzeni, Kanvilli, Tunjen and Zangbalin.
The impressive turnout of these Dema Nanima underscored the urgent need for collective action to combat drug abuse and safeguard the future of Dagbon’s youth.
Story by: Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow
