By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has marked its third anniversary with a public lecture on drug abuse, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the responsible use of medicines and improving public health across the state.
The event brought together government officials, health experts, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to address the growing challenge of substance abuse, particularly among young people.
Speaking at the event, held at the agency’s headquarters in Kano, the Head of the Kano State Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what she described as remarkable achievements in the health sector over the past three years.
She said the administration had strengthened healthcare delivery through improved access to quality medicines, enhanced health infrastructure, and people-centred policies.
Maimota described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to public health and social development, warning that its consequences extend beyond individuals to families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
She stressed that the growing menace requires urgent and sustained action to safeguard the future of the state’s youth.
According to her, tackling drug abuse cannot be left to government agencies alone but requires the collective efforts of parents, religious and traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and community members.
She identified public awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and effective regulation as key strategies for addressing the challenge.
The Head of Service also commended the participation of experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and the Islamic scholarly community.
She noted that their diverse perspectives would enhance public understanding of the causes, consequences, and prevention of drug abuse.
She urged participants, particularly young people, to reflect on the presentations and become ambassadors against substance abuse in their homes, schools, and communities.
Maimota also praised the management and staff of DMCSA for complementing the agency’s mandate of ensuring the availability of safe and affordable medicines with sustained public health advocacy.
Earlier, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, said the lecture formed part of activities marking three years of impactful service under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He explained that while the agency had made significant progress in ensuring the supply of quality medicines to public health facilities, promoting their safe and responsible use remained equally important.
Pharm. Sule reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting government efforts to eliminate counterfeit medicines, drug misuse, and substance abuse through advocacy, strategic partnerships, and continuous stakeholder engagement.
He stressed that the fight against drug abuse requires the active participation of health institutions, regulatory agencies, parents, schools, religious leaders, and communities.
During the lecture, the Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Alhaji Kasim Ibrahim, educated participants on the dangers of substandard and falsified medicines.
He urged members of the public to purchase medicines only from approved and licensed outlets to safeguard their health.
Other presentations included a paper by Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Zubair Rabiu of the NDLEA on the growing menace of drug abuse among young people. Dr Aminu Shehu of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Dawanau, also examined the devastating mental and physical health consequences of substance abuse and emphasised the importance of early intervention and treatment.
The event concluded with a presentation by Sheikh Nura Adam Galadanchi of Jama’atul Tajdidul Islam, who highlighted the Islamic perspective on drug abuse and the role of moral values, family upbringing, and religious teachings in preventing substance abuse.
The anniversary lecture formed part of DMCSA’s broader efforts to celebrate three years of reforms while strengthening public awareness and promoting a healthier, safer, and more productive Kano State.
