The Gbagyi Traditional Council has given their commitment to the fight against drug abuse in Kaduna state.
The council also pledged its support for Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA)’s fight against drug abuse.
The Esu Chikun of the Gbagyi Chiefdom, HRH Dr. Shekoduza Danjuma Barde, who assured of the traditional council’s backing when he received on a courtesy visit the leadership of KADBUSA at his palace council chamber, Ungwan Romi on Thursday, said they are in support of Kadbusa’s effort to prevent and reduce demand and use of illicit drugs in the state.
He commended the KADBUSA management for doing a good job towards preventing the use of illicit drugs, adding that establishment of the bureau was a very strategic move which he hoped will help greatly towards having a drug free society.
Represented by the Sarkin Fada, Samaila Sarki, the Esu Chikun also lamented that the use of drugs by children of today is worrisome and urged all and sundry to work together to find a lasting solution.
The Director General of KADBUSA, Dr. Joseph Maigari, lamented that the use of illicit drugs is destroying the society, stressing that the Bureau is not leaving any stone unturned to prevent new cases of drug abuse and treatment of those already addicted to drug abuse.
Dr Maigari said, “as part of our mandate towards preventing and reducing drug abuse in the state, we are here to solicit the support of the Gbagyi Chiefdom and for the Esu Chikun to add his voice to the fight against drug abuse.”
According to him, “in 2020, 10.9% of Kaduna residents have drug abuse problem, one third of women in the state have drug abuse problem, 14.4% of the total population of Nigerians have drug abuse problem while one fourth of women in Nigeria have drug abuse related problems. If the demand for illicit drugs is reduced, it will affect the supply.”
