By Rabi’u Sunusi
Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting mental health, youth development, campaign against drug abuse and community rehabilitation as part of efforts to build a peaceful and productive society.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, gave the assurance when he received the Chief Executive Officer of House of Joy, Mrs. Ronke Kayode, and her delegation during an advocacy visit to the ministry in Kano.
Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the organization for selecting Kano State as the pilot location for its proposed intervention programme among the 36 states of the federation.
He described Kano as a cosmopolitan state and a mini Nigeria where people of different religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds coexist peacefully.
Comrade Waiya stated that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to inclusive governance and welcomes all development-oriented initiatives that contribute to the well-being of citizens.
He assured the delegation that the state government would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the project.
The Commissioner, who has over two decades of experience in civil society activism before joining government, acknowledged the vital role non-governmental organizations play in addressing social challenges and advancing community development.
He noted that partnerships between government and development organizations are essential in tackling issues affecting vulnerable groups, particularly, the young people.
He further highlighted the state’s ongoing Safe Corridor Initiative, a strategic programme designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate youths previously involved in political violence, drug abuse, and other anti-social activities.
According to him, about 1,000 youths are expected to undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, after which they will be empowered and reintegrated into society as productive citizens.
The Commissioner said the objectives of House of Joy align closely with the vision of the Kano State Government, especially in the areas of mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, counselling, and substance abuse prevention.
He added that the expertise of the organization could complement the state’s efforts in rehabilitating and supporting vulnerable youths.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of House of Joy, Mrs. Ronke Kayode, explained that the organization is a United States-based non-governmental and not-for-profit humanitarian and advocacy organization dedicated to mental healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development.
She stated that the organization works with experienced healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, and has implemented various volunteer-driven programmes in the United States aimed at addressing drug and substance abuse among young people through mentorship, guidance, and positive life alternatives.
Mrs. Kayode noted that House of Joy focuses on helping young people identify solutions to challenges affecting their lives while promoting resilience, personal growth, mental health awareness, and positive decision-making.
She emphasized that the organization believes in working alongside individuals and communities toward growth, healing, and restoration.
She further disclosed that House of Joy is partnering with Kola & Funke Foundation (KAF Care Foundation) and New Ethics for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEEDIN), both based in Kano, to implement a pilot project that seeks to address mental health and substance abuse challenges among the youths in the state.
According to her, Kano State was recommended by the organization’s Nigerian partners and subsequently selected as the pilot state because of its strategic importance and the opportunities it presents for impactful intervention.
She expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute significantly to improving the lives of young people and strengthening community development efforts.
