Agency
Katsina State Government has promised to offer psychosocial support to women and youth involved in drug abuse.
This was made known by the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, on Tuesday in Katsina.
The commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria that the government has been collaborating with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to address the menace of drug and substance abuse by women in the state.
She said the ministry has designed a strategic roadmap that will be unveiled within the first quarter of 2024 and is meant to squarely check the illicit practice.
“We want to see how the government can help the addicts by talking to them, empowering them and giving them some form of psychosocial support.
“We would embark on advocacy campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse, especially among women. Some non-governmental organisations campaigning against drug abuse have already indicated interest in partnering with us in this crusade.
“We would soon pay a visit to the NDLEA rehabilitation centre with a view to see the quantum of young ladies undergoing rehabilitation therapy in the agency.
“We want to see how the government can help the addicts by talking to them, empowering them and by giving them some form of psychosocial support,” Musa-Musawa added.
The commissioner wondered why a woman who is expected to be a role model would resort to drug abuse or trafficking, and other illicit substances capable of ruining her future.
She added, “We would counsel them and empower them so that when they get back to their families, they would be engaged in productive ventures.
“This year, our focus is on the fight against drug abuse. It is one of the key areas we intend to venture into and deliver our women out of the woods.”
(NAN)
