Kano state government has reiterated it’s dedication to bring an end to the prevalence of substance abuse to achieve a crime free society.
The chairperson state committees on campaign against drug and substance abuse, Dr. Fauziyya Buba Idris made the indication during a media parley to commemorate International Day Against Drug and Illicit Trafficking, held in Kano.
Dr. Fauziyya who doubles as special adviser to Kano state Governor on Health Matters and chairperson Mental Health Committee explained that, the state government has inaugurated female anti drug ambassadors to curtail the menace.
She noted that, Kano is the only state in the whole federation that has appointed special adviser on drug abuse and had made it mandatory for political office contestants to undergo drug test.
The Special Adviser explained that drug abuse affects mental well being which leads to societal vices.
Dr. Fauziyya Idris Buba, pointed out that the mental health committee had engaged in advocacy visits across the state to sensitize the general public on effects of drug abuse to mental health.
The chairperson described mental disorder as one of the neglected part of health issues which prompted the committee to engage in interactive sessions with women groups, guidance and counseling mentors, traditional and religious leaders, government officials among others, to achieve the desired objectives.
She maintained that the state government had adopted the reports from each round table discussion which has yielded positive results.
“The state government has done a lot in terms of the recommendations. All relevant stakeholders and the government discussion came up with series of activities”.
The chairperson of female anti drug ambassadors charged the general public to report any person suspected to engage in drug pushing and abuse to the committee members or relevant authorities for proper action.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 of June every year, to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
KHADIJAH ALIYU