Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to making Zamfara a drug-free state.
She made the declaration while receiving the leadership of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Gusau.
Hajiya Huriyya pledged to collaborate closely with the agency to explore more effective strategies for combating drug abuse in the state.
“We will sit down together and find ways to tackle some of the challenges you’re facing, because we are determined to see a drug-free Zamfara, in shaa Allah”
The First Lady commended the agency’s leadership for their dedication and hard work, assuring them that, her office is always open for collaboration to promote the well-being of citizens.
She also congratulated the agency on its various achievements in the course of carrying out its responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, Mr Ibrahim Ishaq Anka, stated that the purpose of the visit was to share the agency’s progress, achievements, and challenges in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“Your Excellency, on the 1st of March this year, we received a total of 52 victims who were being trafficked. They were intercepted by the Nigerian Army between Abuja and Kogi State,” he said.
“We received them from the NAPTIP headquarters and brought them back to the state. They have since been reintegrated and reunited with their families. Out of the 52 victims, 42 were from Anka Local Government, seven from Talata Mafara, and three from Maru”
Mr. Anka explained that the agency has conducted extensive sensitization campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.
“We also organized sensitization sessions for Chief Imams across the seven local governments on the dangers of drug abuse, misuse, misadministration, and the menace of human trafficking,”
According to him, the agency also conducted school-based sensitization programs, reaching over 2,000 students in secondary schools within Gusau alone, among other activities.
Mr. Anka highlighted the agency’s urgent needs, which include a rehabilitation center, operational vehicles, office accommodations, and essential equipments.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
