Safe Haven Foundation was represented at the 8th International Society of Substance Use Professionals Nigeria Annual Conference (ISSUP) Nigeria Annual Conference on 27 October 2026 by its Founder and Team Lead, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, PhD.
Professor Waziri-Azi delivered a guest lecture titled Youth Protection Through Policy, Justice and Prevention: Building Safe Communities for a Drug Free Future. The conference brought together professionals, advocates, institutions and young people working to strengthen drug use prevention, treatment and community protection in Nigeria.
The conference theme, Youth O’Clock, placed young people at the centre of the conversation. This focus strongly reflects SHF’s belief that policies and programmes affecting young people must recognise their present realities, include their voices and provide accessible support before a crisis escalates.
For Safe Haven Foundation, participation in the conference provided an important opportunity to connect its work on violence prevention, survivor support and access to justice with the wider discussion on substance use and youth protection. These issues frequently intersect. Violence, trauma, family instability, social exclusion and limited access to mental health services can increase vulnerability, while stigma often prevents young people from seeking help early.
Professor Waziri-Azi’s contribution emphasised the need for responses that combine prevention, protection, accountability and access to care. She also called for stronger referral systems, better support within schools and communities, and justice responses that distinguish between those who exploit young people and young people who require treatment and reintegration.
The participation of SHF at the conference reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to working across sectors. Protecting young people requires cooperation among families, schools, health professionals, justice institutions, civil society organisations and young people themselves.
Safe Haven Foundation appreciates ISSUP Nigeria for convening this important platform and for creating space for practical conversations about safer communities.
