Drug Abuse: Northern Gov. Wives’ Forum Meets in Abuja to Tackle Menace
It is widely reported that an increasing number of Nigerians now engage in drug abuse with Northern Nigerian States with the highest cases of addiction. A two-day Drug Abuse Awareness and Advocacy Training is holding from 3rd to 4th May, 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria organised by the Northern Governors Wives’ Forum (NGWF).
NGWF has prioritized a comprehensive drug intervention project under the leadership its Grand Patron & Wife of the President, H.E. Mrs. Aisha M. Buhari who was represented by Wife of the Speaker, Haj. Gimbiya Dogara at the event.
The NGWF Chairperson, Wife of the Governor (WOG) of Zamfara State, H.E. Haj. Asmau Yari stated that the NGWF organised the ongoing two-day Drug Awareness and Advocacy Training in partnership with Reconnect Health Development Initiative and House of Recovery, two organisations that have a wholistic approach towards the issue.
The training programme involves sessions by Dr. Vincent Udenze, President ReconnectHDI; Hadiza Aliko Mohammed, Founder House of Recovery; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhd Mustapha Abdallah (Rtd), psychologists, recovering addicts and the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum & Governor of Borno State, H.E. Alh. Kashim Shettima.
During the opening ceremony, popular Singer Majek Fashek made a cameo told the audience about his experience with drugs both in Nigeria and the United States, urging youth to stay away from drugs. A brave young man and his mother also told their story emphasising the importance of having a family that does not give up on addicts and dropping the fear of stigma.
In her vote of thanks, the Project Committee Chairperson & WOG Niger State, H.E. Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello thanked all stakeholders and reminded the audience that Nigeria can tackle the menace of drug abuse if everyone works together beginning from the family unit all the way up to law enforcement.
Delegates from the 19 Northern States are in attendance with delegates from Kebbi State and Medicaid Foundation (MCF) under the leadership of Wife of the Governor, H.E. Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu. Kebbi state delegates include:
1. Ibrahim Garba Kangiwa: NDLEA Kebbi
2. Jonathan D. Hoke: Rehab Centre, Zuru
3. Sanusi Bello OC: Women Affairs Remand Home
4. Maryam Ibrahim: Social Welfare Dept, Women Affairs
5. Aisha Augie-Kuta: New Media, Kebbi State
6. Dr. Suraiya Mansur: COO MCF
7. Rukayya Manga: Coordinator MCF
8. Shuaibu Muhammad Isah: Kebbi Field Officer MCF
All delegates are expected to return to their respected states empowered with the skills needed to boost awareness while advocating for the curbing of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria.
Saabatu Andrew
Office of the Wife of the Governor
Kebbi State
