Kano Government Restates Concern For Youth's Mental Health

Kano State Government says it is concerned about the mental health of youths in the state.

Speaking during a sensitization of youths on mental health and drug abuse, the state Governor,  Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the concern led his administration to initiate policies aimed at curtailing the menace of substance abuse.

He revealed that the government provided counselling and treatment centre for drug addicts, in addition to the establishment of female anti-drug ambassadors committee, which collaborate with CBOs and NGOs, to raise awareness on mental health and substance abuse.

He stressed that mental health and substance abuse are major societal problems bedevilling individuals, communities and nations.

Dr Ganduje emphasised the need, for more efforts on mental health, saying that, substance abuse leads to criminal activities, delinquency and other societal vices.

“Preparations have reached the advance stage for the smooth take up of Kano drug addiction and control agency under the state’s ministry of health”

In her opening remarks, Kano first lady Professor Hafsat Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Mariya Mahmud Bunkure described the sensitization as apt.

She pointed out that, the state female anti-drug ambassadors and mental health committees, were working assiduously through media engagements, to create awareness.

“The state governor is an advocate of gender inclusion and a champion in health promotion and prevention of ailments”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to kano state governor on Health Matters, Dr Fauziyya Idris Buba said mental health issues affect individuals irrespective of age, gender or social status, where youths are the most vulnerable, due to challenges they face such as peer group pressure, academic stress and family problems.

She highlighted that research indicates that mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression, if not treated may lead to severe consequences, including suicide, substance abuse and social isolation.

In their papers titled, understanding mental health problems and understanding mental health and Illnesses, Dr Bashir Bala from Saadatu Rimi University of Education Kumbotso, and Dr Fatima Bala, identified mental health as a neglected part of health problems.

They charged parents and guardians to desist from stigmatizing those engaged in substance abuse.

The sensitisation was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on Health Matters and held at the coronation hall government house in  Kano.