Governor Buni Orders Crackdown on Drug Abuse in Yobe State, Underscores Commitment to Primary Healthcare
Governor Buni Orders Crackdown on Drug Abuse in Yobe State, Underscores Commitment to Primary Healthcare
By Hannatu Lot
Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, has issued a directive to the state’s 17 Local Government Council Chairmen to collaborate with traditional rulers in a concerted effort to combat the growing problem of drug abuse.
The Governor made this announcement during a meeting with the Chairmen and traditional rulers focused on strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system in Damaturu.
Governor Buni expressed serious concern over the escalating drug abuse problem affecting several Northern states, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive intervention to protect the state’s youth and secure its future.
“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” he said.
He declared that anyone found trafficking or consuming prohibited drugs and substances in Yobe State will face the full force of the law. Specific enforcement mechanisms and collaborations with law enforcement agencies were not detailed in the announcement.
The Governor’s address also highlighted the state government’s significant investments in primary healthcare.
He cited the establishment of 142 functional Primary Healthcare Centers, the provision of essential equipment and drugs, and the recruitment and deployment of over 2,000 qualified healthcare personnel as key achievements in enhancing healthcare access and affordability across the state.
Governor Buni expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, development partners, and traditional rulers for their support in these efforts.
“This administration is committed to healthcare delivery at all levels because, a healthy population is indeed an essential asset for speedy socio-economic development.
“We therefore remain focused on making quality healthcare services accessible and affordable to our people across the State”
“The establishment of 142 functional Primary Healthcare Centers, provision of equipment, drugs and recruitment and deployment of over 2,000 qualified healthcare personnels to various healthcare facilities have no doubt taken healthcare delivery in the state to greater heights” Buni said.
The positive strides in primary healthcare were further underscored by Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, the Commissioner for Health. He reported that a recent routine immunization supportive supervision assessment conducted by the National Healthcare Development Agency ranked Yobe State among the nation’s top performers.
While acknowledging the state’s progress, Dr. Baba Gana Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Agency, noted some minor challenges related to reconciliation and compliance in immunization coverage that will be addressed in future initiatives.
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He specifically commended the continued support of traditional rulers in improving immunization rates.
The Governor’s directive on drug abuse represents a significant policy shift emphasizing a multi-pronged approach, combining law enforcement with community engagement through the local government chairmen and traditional rulers.
The state government’s commitment to primary healthcare, as evidenced by its substantial investments, further reinforces its dedication to the overall well-being of its citizens.
