We must find lasting solution to menace of drug abuse, Says Bauchi Governor’s wife

Wife of the Bauchi state governor, Hajia Hadiza Abubakar has expressed worry over the increased rate of drug abuse among youth and women in Northern Nigeria.

Hajia Hadiza Abubakar, who is also the initiator of Bauchi State Women Economic Empowerment and Peace (B-SWEEP) stated this at a public enlightenment/launching of a book titled “Wiping out the menace of drug abuse among youth” held Thursday at Multipurpose Sports Hall in Bauchi.

The launching of the book which was written by Comrade Nafiu Yusuf Zwall, a graduate of Applied Chemistry from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto was supported by B-SWEEP, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Orientation Agency (NOA).

She said, “We are all aware that substance abuse and drug addiction are on the increase in the northern part of the country especially among youth and even women, and is largely responsible for the increasing rate of social vices in our society.

“The increase of drug abuse in the Northern part of the country prompted the Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum (NGWF) to make it one of its top priority intervention projects. As mothers and leaders in our communities, we are concerned with the well-being of all, but most especially our women, youths and children.

Hadiza reiterated her commitment towards collaborating with relevant stakeholders in order to have a holistic approach to finding a lasting solution to the menace of drug abuse in the society.

She called on relevant stakeholders, Governments, specialized organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations to support the fight against the trend of drug abuse in the country especially in the Northern region.

The governor’s wife commanded the effort of the publisher of the book for dedicating his time to publish the book to enlighten and educate the youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Haruna Abdullahi said that the book serves as a guide to disabuse the minds of young people from engaging in drug abuse.

Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim Abddul, the state commander of NDLEA in Bauchi who lamented the increased rate of drug abuse among women, said that all hands must be on deck to eradicate the menace.

He said, “In the past, out of five people using drugs , four used to be men but it’s unfortunate that currently, out of five people using drugs, four are women so we must all join hands together to fight this menace in our society”.

In his remarks, the author of the book, Nafiu Yusuf Zwall said that he was motivated to write the book in order to contribute towards the eradication of drug abuse in the society.

Yusuf who commended the Governor’s wife for her support in publishing the book, revealed that the book was written in English, Hausa and Fulfude languages.