Mandu Chiefdom Youth Council Launches Grassroots Anti-Drug Campaign
In a decisive response to the escalating threat of substance abuse, the Mandu Chiefdom Youth Council (MCYC) has launched a major community-wide initiative. The campaign, which kicked off on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, represents a concerted effort to curb drug misuse and foster a healthier, more productive society in the Kailahun District.
A Community Unites Against a Common Foe
The official launch, held at the NA Court Barry in Mobai, the chiefdom’s headquarters, drew hundreds of residents, signaling a broad base of support. Under the resonant theme “My Future, My Choice: Say No to Drug Abuse in Mandu Chiefdom,” the program aims to weave a tight-knit coalition of residents, local organizations, healthcare workers, schools, and law enforcement. This collaborative fabric is designed to bolster government efforts and directly confront the scourge of addiction, with a specific focus on engaging both potential dealers and users.
Leadership Calls for Collective Action
The Guest of Honour, Chiefdom Speaker A.B. Kamara, set a powerful tone in his opening speech. He framed the fight against drug abuse as nothing less than a foundational requirement for a morally sound and prosperous community. Describing the initiative as a “golden treasure,” Kamara underscored that its success hinges on unified action. He issued a direct call for the formation of Anti-Drug Task Force Committees across all sections of the chiefdom, involving the Youth Council, Sierra Leone Police, and the Local Police Partnership Board to strengthen enforcement and local monitoring.
The message of ownership and responsibility was echoed by Councillor Mamie Lansana of Ward 12. She made a passionate appeal to women’s groups, urging them to take the campaign to heart and lead the charge in cultivating a drug-free environment for future generations.
From Words to Action: Enforcement and Support
Borbor Sesay, Chairman of the Local Police Partnership Board, moved the discussion from theory to practice. He advised local authorities to rigorously implement and enforce community by-laws that directly address health and substance abuse. Sesay recommended that local police make evidence-based civil arrests of suspected offenders, holding them until formal law enforcement can take over, a strategy aimed at deterring illegal activity at the grassroots level.
But what about the human cost? Gibairu Sandy, Chairman of the Mandu Chiefdom Youth Council, emphasized that tackling this crisis requires more than just enforcement; it demands compassion and shared responsibility. “The success of this program depends on collaboration with key community stakeholders to address the specific causes of addiction,” Sandy explained. He called on residents to stand united against drug dealing and to create supportive environments where those struggling can share their experiences and rebuild their lives free from stigma.
Looking beyond the community, Sandy also appealed to the central government for sustained support. He highlighted the need for funding, resource mobilization, and technical assistance to ensure these evidence-based interventions are not just a flash in the pan, but a lasting solution.
A Pivotal Step Towards a Healthier Future
This landmark event marks a pivotal step in mobilizing the entire community of Mandu Chiefdom against substance abuse. It’s a clear signal that the future of the chiefdom’s youth is a priority, and that a safer, healthier society is a goal worth fighting for, together.
Source: Original reporting from the launch event in Mobai, Kailahun District.