YOBE APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF DRUG ABUSE REHABILITATION BODY
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Yobe State Government has unveiled plans to establish a State Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Agency as part of efforts to address rising cases of substance abuse and addiction in the state.
The State Commissioner for Justice, Saleh Samanja, disclosed this on Wednesday at a one-day public lecture titled Drug-Free Learning Environment, organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups at the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu.
Samanja explained that the proposed agency would oversee drug prevention initiatives, treatment services, rehabilitation programmes, and reintegration efforts. According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening public health, advancing youth development, and fostering social stability across the state.
He noted that the agency would comprehensively tackle drug-related challenges throughout Yobe.
“We have prepared a bill and forwarded it to the State House of Assembly. It has successfully passed first and second readings and is currently at the committee stage. A public hearing is expected to hold on March 8 or 9. Thereafter, the House will pass it into law, and the Governor will assent without delay,” Samanja said.
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He added that the initiative is a priority for the governor, who is determined to ensure the agency becomes operational quickly. Once established, it is expected to significantly curb drug abuse, particularly among young people.
The government also plans to set up rehabilitation centres across Yobe to support affected individuals, especially youths battling addiction.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Jamilu Chiranchi, said the lecture was organised to enlighten students about the dangers of substance abuse.
He lamented that the discipline and values historically associated with Northern Nigerian students are gradually being undermined by increasing drug use.
“We are in Damaturu because drug abuse has become a major threat to society. This is a collective and patriotic effort to rebuild the character and values of our youths, who represent the future of this nation,” Chiranchi stated.
He further emphasised that higher institutions play a critical role in shaping future leaders. “Campuses are more than academic centres; they mould future policymakers, security officials, and leaders. If harmful behaviours are allowed to flourish in these spaces, we risk producing leaders who cannot drive progress or ensure stability,” he added.
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