Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has directed the 17 local government council chairmen to collaborate with traditional rulers in taking proactive measures to curb the menace of drug abuse across the state.
Buni gave the directive on Tuesday in Damaturu while addressing council chairmen and traditional rulers at a meeting focused on strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system.
He said drug abuse had become a major concern in many northern states, warning that urgent action was required to protect youths and safeguard the future of the state.
“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,” Buni said.
The governor also ordered strict enforcement of laws against the 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 delivery in Yobe.
“This administration is committed to healthcare delivery at all levels because a healthy population is an essential asset for speedy socio-economic development.
“We remain focused on making quality healthcare services accessible and affordable to our people across the state,” he said.
Buni highlighted the establishment of 142 functional primary healthcare centres, provision of medical equipment and drugs, and recruitment of over 2,000 healthcare personnel as key milestones achieved in the health sector.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, disclosed that a recent routine immunisation assessment by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency ranked Yobe among the best-performing states in the country.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Baba Gana Kundi Machina, lauded the role of traditional rulers in supporting immunisation coverage.
He, however, noted that a few challenges relating to reconciliation and non-compliance would be addressed in subsequent immunisation campaigns.
