Faith-Based Approach in the Control of Substance Abuse

: Interventional Perspective of Hisbah in Northern Nigeria

Authors

  • Dr. Endurance Uzobo Niger Delta University
  • Rakiya Kpada Yusuf Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Baze University, Abuja-Nigeria
  • Dr. Grace A.T Scent Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/ajada.v11i1.3

Keywords:

Hisbah, Substance abuse, Faith-based informal mechanism, social control, Religion

Abstract

Substance abuse has become a global problem. Specifically, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Target 3.5, addresses the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, especially narcotic drug addiction, and hazardous alcohol use. In Nigeria, several efforts have been made by succeeding governments to reduce substance abuse through formal means, but the threat has persisted owing to the weak implementation of substance-related policies and laws. Despite this, there is little empirical research on faith-based informal mechanisms of reducing the threat. This study, therefore, examines the roles of Hisbah as an informal means of reducing substance abuse, as well as people’s views of Hisbah’s role in the fight against substance use in Kano State, Nigeria. The study's theoretical grounding is in Emile Durkheim’s Theory of Religion and Social Control. This exploratory study employed a qualitative approach in its methods of investigation. This study recruited a total of 24 participants. These participants were made up of two (2) executives of Hisbah, three (3) Hisbah Commandants, five (5) Hisbah field personnel, seven (7) offenders, and seven (7) members of the general public. The qualitative data obtained were analysed using narrative technique and thematic approach with the aid of Atlas ti. software. Findings from the study indicated that religious organizations such as that of the Hisbah play a significant role in the fight against substance abuse. The study recommended that religious organisations should be co-opted into mainstream government policies in the fight against drug and substance use.

Author Biography

  • Dr. Endurance Uzobo, Niger Delta University

    Endurance Uzobo teaches and conduct research at the Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University (NDU), Nigeria. He holds a PhD degree in Sociology (2019) from the Niger Delta University, an M.Sc degree in Demography and Population Studies (Distinction) from the University of Benin (2015), and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (First Class Honours), from NDU (2009). His research interest lies in issues relating to Demography and Population Studies such as; Population Health, Social and Medical Demography, Ageing etc. He is a member of several professional societies including; the International Sociological Association (ISA), Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association (NASA), Population Association of Nigeria (PAN), International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), Union for African Population Studies (UAPS) etc. He is a two-time recipient of the TETFUND university-based research grant award, he has consulted twice for Clearwater Social Empowerment Initiatives - an international NGO based in Lagos, and currently consulting for Invictus Africa in Partnership with BudgIT Foundation with sponsorship from Ford Foundation on a project titled “Assessing Subnational Governments’ Commitments Towards Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response in three West African countries – Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal”. He has lots of journal articles and book chapters published in reputable outlets internationally and locally. He has also attended and presented papers at international and national conferences.  He can be contacted via; enduzobo@gmail.com

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Published

30-06-2024

Issue

Section

Research article

How to Cite

Faith-Based Approach in the Control of Substance Abuse: : Interventional Perspective of Hisbah in Northern Nigeria. (2024). African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (AJADA), 11(2), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajada.v11i1.3

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