Yobe Govt Partners NGOs to Fight Substance Abuse

The Yobe Government has pledged stronger collaboration with development partners to curb rising drug abuse among youth in the state.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Sale Samanja made the pledge in Damaturu on Monday while receiving officials of CARE International on a courtesy visit.

Samanja said the administration of Gov. Mai Mala Buni had intensified efforts to tackle substance abuse through a multi-sectoral approach targeting vulnerable groups.

He said the state government had constituted a committee on drug abuse control, working with the governor’s Focal Person on Drug Abuse, to coordinate interventions across ministries and agencies.

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According to him, youth remained the most affected demographic, hence the need for sustained sensitisation, rehabilitation and community engagement initiatives.

He assured CARE International of government’s support, including provision of manpower for its planned drug abuse sensitisation project in Jakusko Local Government Area.

Speaking separately, officials of CARE International, Godiya Ibrahim and Antony Bata commended the state government’s commitment to addressing drug abuse.

They pledged to complement government’s efforts through awareness campaigns and community-based programmes aimed at protecting young people from substance misuse.

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Speaking, Mr Rajab Ismail, Executive Director, Media and Disability Care Initiative, and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, lauded the ongoing reforms.

He said civil society organisations would continue to support advocacy and public enlightenment to promote a safer and more productive society.

The Focal Person, Alhaji Saidu Jakusko, said collaboration with stakeholders had strengthened prevention strategies across communities.

He said sustained education and enlightenment would empower youth to resist drug abuse and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development agenda. (NAN)