The Northern Governors Wives Forum, NGWF, has commended the Federal Government for banning the importation and production of codeine syrup, saying the ban ‘is a major breakthrough in the fight against drug abuse among youths in the country.
The Chairperson of the forum and wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hadiza Abubakar, made the commendation in a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Rashida Yusuf.
Mrs Abubakar, who described drug addiction as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society, disclosed that the NGWF has made the fight against drug abuse its priority intervention project.
According to her, the forum, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has taken a holistic approach towards curbing drug abuse in the country, particularly in the North where it is more pronounced.
“Following a UNODC Training for all Northern Governors Wives, Six States (Benue, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi and Bauchi) are at various stages of implementing the work plan,” she noted.
She further disclosed that steps taken by the forum to eradicate the menace include the establishment of drug control committee, drug community volunteer scheme, skills acquisition centres as well as provision of female rehabilitating wing.
“The centres are expected to among other things rehabilitate victims of drug abuse by providing them with counselling and moral support to enable them become useful members of the society.”
The chairperson, therefore, urged stakeholders involved in the fight against drug abuse to put all hands on deck to achieve the target of a drugs abuse-free society.
She also advised parents to monitor their wards with a view to nipping in the bud untoward behaviour.
