The Kano State Government says it is committed to ending the pervasive abuse of drugs by residents.
The State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said this while declaring open a day sensitization programme on mental health and substance abuse among youths.
The event was organised by the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mariya Mahmud-Bunkure, said that his administration had initiated some policies aimed at curtailing the menace of substance abuse in the state.
“We have provided a counselling and treatment centre for drug addicts, in addition to establishing a Female Anti-drug Ambassadors Committee.
“The committee is collaborating with community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations to raise awareness on mental health and substance abuse,” Ganduje said.
According to him, mental health and substance abuse are major problems bedevilling individuals, communities and nations.
The governor emphasised the need to focus more efforts on mental health, adding that substance abuse could lead to criminal activities, delinquency and other social vices.
He said, “Preparations have reached an advance stage for the smooth take up of Kano Drug Addiction and Control Agency (DACA), under the state ministry of health,” he said.
The governor called on youths to be conscious of drug abuse and take responsibility for their own mental health and well-being.
He also urged all stakeholders to work together to fight against drug abuse in the state.
The wife of the Governor, Professor Hafsat Ganduje, said that the state Female Anti-drug Ambassadors and Mental Health Committees were working assiduously through media engagements to create awareness.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Health Matters, Dr. Fauziyya Idris-Buba, said mental health issues could have adverse effects on individuals, irrespective of age, gender or social status.
According to her, youths are the most vulnerable due to the challenges they face daily, such as peer group pressure, academic stress and family problems.
She said research indicated that mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety and depression, if not well handled, might lead to suicide, substance abuse and social isolation.
NAN reports that four papers were presented at the programme, one of which was titled, “Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illnesses”, delivered by Dr. Bashir Bala of Saadatu Rimi University of Education, Kumbotso, Kano State.
He called on parents and guardians to desist from stigmatising those involved in substance abuse.
(NAN)
