Drug abuse is worrisome in Northern States – Buni

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has directed 17 Local Government Council Chairmen in the State to liaise with traditional rulers to take proactive measures against drug abuse across the State.

Addressing the Chairmen and traditional rulers on Primary Healthcare system strengthening in Damaturu on Monday, Governor Buni, said the menace of drug abuse had become a case of concern in some Northern States.

“We must act now and proactively, to save our youth and the future of the state from the dangers posed by drug abuse currently threatening many states”, he said.

He directed that, the full wrath of the law should be applied against anyone found in trafficking and consumption of prohibited drugs and substances in the State.

He commended the Federal Government, development partners and traditional rulers for supporting primary healthcare services in the State.

“This Administration is committed to healthcare delivery at all levels because, a healthy population is indeed an essential asset for speedy socio-economic development.

“We therefore remain focused on making quality healthcare services accessible and affordable to our people across the State”, Governor Buni said.

Buni further noted,”The establishment of 142 functional Primary Healthcare Centers, provision of equipment, drugs and recruitment and deployment of over 2,000 qualified healthcare personnels to various healthcare facilities have no doubt taken healthcare delivery in the state to greater heights.”

Earlier, Muhammad Lawan Gana, Commissioner for Health, noted that the routine immunization supportive supervision assessment conducted by the National Healthcare Development Agency showed that Yobe State is among the best performing States in the country.

But, Baba Gana Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Agency, commended traditional rulers in the State for supporting immunisation coverage.

He however observed that there are few cases on reconciliation and non-compliance that needed to be addressed in subsequent exercises.