Muawiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Consultative Forum has expressed concern over the growing poverty levels among households in the state.
The chairman of the forum, Aminu Abubakar Danmusa, speaking at a news conference in Katsina, highlighted that the pervasive poverty in the state is contributing to insecurity, illiteracy, and the rising abuse of drugs.
Danmusa referred to the 2020 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which indicated that Katsina has a poverty rate of 74.1 percent.
He described this as unfortunate and a reflection of the dire situation in the state.
While acknowledging that the state government is implementing measures to improve the well-being of citizens, Danmusa emphasized the need for a collective effort.
He called on citizens, corporate organizations, and non-governmental organizations to join in addressing the issue.
He explained that the forum has organized an annual dialogue as part of its efforts to find solutions to the problem.
This year’s dialogue, themed “Strategies for Poverty Eradication and the Drive for Sustainable Development in Katsina,” will bring together intellectuals, professionals, policymakers, and other key stakeholders. Danmusa expressed hope that the dialogue would lead to far-reaching solutions to reduce poverty in the state.
Last year, the forum organized a similar dialogue focused on drug abuse and has since adopted sustainable measures to tackle the problem.
According to Danmusa, the forum has engaged various stakeholders, including officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ward heads, and NGOs, to address issues related to the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.
The forum also sponsored campaigns against drug and substance abuse on local radio stations and organized town hall meetings.
To further combat drug abuse, Danmusa revealed that the forum has established an NGO called the Anti-Drug Network to continue the fight.
Additionally, the forum is working to set up a rehabilitation center aimed at helping drug addicts reintegrate into society.
The center will also provide training in various crafts to assist addicts in developing new skills.