By Adeleye Kunle
The Northern Governors Wives’ Forum, according to Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, is an effective platform for finding a common solution to drug addiction in society, particularly among youths.
The governor made the remark while visiting the Governor of Kebbi State’s wife, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi with the Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Bagudu, Chairman of the All Progressives Governors’ Forum, acknowledged that wives of state governors serve as motivational tools for their husbands in the task of governance and should be encouraged to perform better.
Governor Bagudu identified drug addiction as a driving force behind banditry, insurgency, and other security challenges that must be addressed and eliminated in all forms.
The governor explained that a lack of resources and a lack of inclusivity have been major impediments to the country’s fight against drug abuse and other forms of criminality.
He did, however, commend the Northern Governors Forum’s efforts to address the issue through a regional approach in order to find a comprehensive solution.
He thanked his wife, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, and the other wives of the Northern Governors for gathering in Kebbi State for their conference, calling it a great honor.
Dr. Bagudu was congratulated by the Governor on her nomination as president-elect of International Cancer Control.
Dr. Bagudu responded by explaining that the wives of the Northern Governors were in Birnin-Kebbi as part of their program to eliminate substance abuse among the citizenry.
She stated unequivocally that the Kebbi State government, with her husband’s active support, has developed and implemented programs and strategies to reduce drug abuse, particularly among youths and in IDP camps.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu stated that the wives of the Northern Governors are determined and committed to eliminating drug and sexual abuse, as well as other forms of malfeasance, through counseling and keeping youths occupied through sports and recreational activities.
She stated that she took her guests to the motor-park drop-in center as well as the female rehabilitation center at the NDLEA headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.
In a statement, the Chairperson of the Northern Governors Wives’ Forum and Kaduna State Governor’s Wife, Architect Hadiza Isma El-Rufa’i, informed their host that the forum focused on drug abuse due to its prevalence and threat in the northern region.
Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum and wife of Ekiti State Governor, stated that the forum’s goal is to provide support platforms for state governors regardless of political party affiliation.
Mrs. Bisi Fayemi announced that the forum has decided to work on gender-based violence in 2020 and has asked governors for help in declaring a state of emergency to combat the scourge.
Erelu Fayemi expressed delight that thirty-one states of the federation, including Kebbi State, had passed and signed a law prohibiting gender violence, and thanked Gov. Bagudu for his assistance to his wife in the task of cleansing society and raising cancer awareness.
She also made an impassioned plea to the governors to increase financial, technical, and material support for the states’ efforts to eradicate drug addiction.
