Mrs Radda worries over women’s involvement in drug abuse

Abbas Bamalli

The wife of Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda had expressed concern over the involvement of more women and youths in drug abuse across the state.

The governor’s wife expressed her concern on Thursday in Katsina at a sensitisation workshop against drug abuse organised for Tricycle riders and owners in the state.

The event was organised by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as part of activities to commemorate the United Nations (UN) day against drug abuse and trafficking.

The International Day, or World Drug Day, is marked on June 26, every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

According to Mrs Radda, “I never knew that in Katsina State we have a high rate of women involved in drug abuse like now, I thought it’s only in our neighbouring state.

“This is a serious challenge to society, especially the fathers and husbands, because I believe no man in his senses can marry a drug addict woman.

“Drug abuse is prohibited even in our religion, therefore parents must take the training of their children very serious, because drug abuse is dangerous to health, and it brings disrespect to those involved.”

She added that the activities of NDLEA was impressive, which made her develop interest in partnering with the agency towards reducing the menace in the state.

According to her, “It was during the 2023 election campaigns I realised the condition of our youths in the state, and I really sympathize with them.

“Anywhere I see youth become drug addict, I used to pity him and his parents, because children belongs to all. Since then I begin to plan how the menace can be tackle when we win election.

“It is part of my mission to see how we can better the lives of our children in the future. Our lives as parents have gone far, the future of our children is the most important thing before us.”

She described economic challenges and influence of bad friends as some of the factors that deteriorated the situation, calling on parents to always watch the movement of their children.

The governor’s wife, while calling on the tricycle riders to stay away from drug abuse, promised to find a way that the state government can empower them.

Earlier in his welcome address, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Mohammed Bashir said the exercise was aimed at ensuring drug free society.

He said from January to date, the command has seized over 200 kilograms of cannabis sativa, known as ‘indian hemp’, and other substances within the state.

According to him, the agency was also able to arrest about 285 suspects, and 400 substance dependency use persons were counseled and rehabilitated.

The NDLEA Commander further revealed that they were able to secure the conviction of about 40 drug dealers in the state, while about 90 per cent of them fall between the age of 14-40 years old.

He called on the governor’s wife to intervene in the issue, saying that, “the situation is sad, that is supposed to be the most productive age bracket of any state.

The Chairman of the tricycle riders, Malam Hamisu Nurain commended the NDLEA for the sensitisation, also assured to continue to sensitise their members on the dangers of drug abuse to the society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s wife was decorated by the NDLEA Commander as the ambassador of war against drug abuse. NAN