Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Since 1979, we have helped people grappling with the toughest hardships survive – and then thrive. That’s the heart of our approach: We help communities turn crisis into opportunity. Throughout our history, Mercy Corps has demonstrated innovation, timeliness and the ability to adapt quickly to changing realities.

Location Katsina

Northwest Nigeria faces a multifaceted crisis stemming from banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, displacement, climate change, and economic marginalization, among other challenges.
In response, The Conflict Prevention Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) Programme is being implemented by International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mercy Corps (MC), and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in 8 local government areas of Katsina State (Jibia, Kankara, Batsari, DanMusa, Faskari, Sabuwa, Safana, Dandume) and 2 local governments of Zamfara State (Gusau and Bungudu).
The CPCRR Programme aims to address crisis by enhancing community resilience through conflict mitigation, livelihood support, governance strengthening, climate adaptation and address critical gaps in communication between communities and government.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  1. Assist program officers to ensure program progress according to the developed schedule and work plan.
  2. Assist in the coordination in target geographical areas.
  3. Support in the process of beneficiary registration, community mobilization and sensitization.
  4. Assist in promoting community participation and inclusion so as to encourage community ownership over activities implemented.
  5. Ensure equitable and inclusive representation of various community groups in the implementation of activities.
  6. Assist in the facilitation of community meetings, focus group discussion and other as required by the program.
  7. Keep program officers and management updated with regards to security situation in the project implementation area.
  8. Provide weekly field reports, capturing activities progress, lessons learned as well as general situation and community updates and needs.
  9. Document lessons learned and success stories on the project.
  10. Adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;
  11. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
  12. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

  1. 1-2 years of working experience. Previous experience in a conflict program or project is highly preferred.
  2. Proven ability to develop and maintain good relationship with local communities and project beneficiaries.
  3. Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and reporting
  4. Bachelor degree in relevant field or equivalent experience is highly recommended
  5. Ability to work under pressure
  6. Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
  7. Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills
  8. Fluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.

Application Dealine not specified 

Method of Application

Interested and Qualified candidates should go click bottom below to apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

The post Program Assistant – Katsina at Mercy Corps appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng | Best African Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.