Buhari, Radda to Reinforce Fight Against Drug Abuse in Katsina

•Group unveils platform to tackle problems in state

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Dikko Radda as well as other critical stakeholders are to attend the annual dialogue organised by the Katsina Consultative Forum to reinforce the fight against drug abuse in Katsina state.

The maiden dialogue with the theme: ‘’Tackling the Menace of Drug Abuse Amongst the Youth in Katsina State’’, would serve as a critical platform to tackle and find remedies to substance abuse and other challenges afflicting the state.

The Chairman of the Forum, Aminu Abubakar-Danmusa who addressed journalists on the essence of the dialogue yesterday, said the summit would be held on Sunday at the Government House, Katsina.

He said the choice of the theme was not arbitrary but a reflection of the forum’s unfaltering commitment to safeguard the future of Katsina state by tackling the challenge of drug abuse among youths in the state.

He explained that drug abuse had infiltrated numerous communities and had threatened the health of young Nigerians, adding that unity among stakeholders remained a cardinal pillar in eradicating the scourge.

Abubakar-Danmusa said: “We must come together as a united force to confront this menace and pave the way for a brighter and more promising future for the youth of Katsina State. The Katsina dialogue which is billed for December 31, 2023, is not merely a conference.

“It is a call to action, a summons to unite in our shared responsibility to confront the challenges that confront us and to chart a course towards a more secure, prosperous and sustainable future for Katsina state.

“I am deeply honoured to announce that we have secured the attendance of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who will grace the occasion as special guest of honour.”

He added that Buhari and Radda’s acceptance to attend the dialogue was a testament to its significance and their unwavering commitments to ward off substance abuse and other challenges bedevilling the state.

Meanwhile, a social commentator and Political Scientist, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Dr. Asma’u Abdulkadir and the Katsina State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commandant, are among the discussants at the dialogue.

At the end of the dialogue, the issues raised and remedies proffered would be submitted to the state government and other relevant authorities for implementation, the organisers said.