By Muhammad Amaan
The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) heartily congratulates Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), on his well-deserved appointment as Co-Chair of the Kano State Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
A statement issued by the Coordinator of V-PeSDI, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, said the remarkable appointment is a testament to Dr Magashi’s unwavering commitment to public health, social development, policy advocacy, and community empowerment.
“It reflects the confidence reposed in his leadership, integrity, professional competence, and many years of dedicated service toward improving the health and well-being of the people of Kano State and Nigeria at large.”
V-PeSDI commends Governor Yusuf for the strategic and timely appointment.
“The establishment of a strengthened Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force, alongside the planned introduction of a mobile court for the speedy prosecution of drug-related offences, demonstrates the government’s resolve to confront one of the most pressing social and public health challenges facing our communities today.
“We also applaud the inclusion of representatives from key institutions, including the Sharia Commission, to ensure a comprehensive, collaborative, and culturally responsive approach to addressing substance abuse,” Sarina said.
V-PeSDI stated that drug abuse continues to pose significant threats to families, communities, educational institutions, economic productivity, public safety, and the future of young people.
“Addressing this growing challenge requires coordinated action involving government institutions, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and community stakeholders.
“We believe that Dr Magashi’s appointment comes at a crucial moment when visionary leadership, evidence-based policy implementation, and multi-sectoral collaboration are needed more than ever.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Dr Magashi has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing public health reforms, health financing advocacy, accountability, social protection, and community-based development initiatives.
“Through his work with the AHBN and numerous national and international partnerships, he has contributed immensely to strengthening health systems, promoting transparency, improving access to quality healthcare, and advocating for inclusive development policies that benefit vulnerable populations,” he added.
Sarina stated that Magashi’s wealth of experience, combined with his passion for social justice and community development, positions him uniquely to provide strategic leadership that will enhance the effectiveness of the Kano State Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force.
“We are confident that under his co-leadership, the Task Force will drive innovative prevention strategies, strengthen public awareness campaigns, promote rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives, foster stronger inter-agency collaboration, and support evidence-informed interventions that address both the causes and consequences of substance abuse.
“As an organization committed to promoting the rights, dignity, health, and inclusion of vulnerable populations, V-PeSDI recognizes that drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue but also a public health, social, and developmental concern.
“Preventing substance abuse requires sustained investment in education, youth empowerment, mental health support, family strengthening, community engagement, and accessible rehabilitation services. These interventions are essential to creating safer, healthier, and more resilient communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
“V-PeSDI therefore reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote drug abuse prevention, health education, youth engagement, disability inclusion, and community resilience. We remain committed to collaborating with the Kano State Government, the Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force, civil society organizations, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to advance evidence-based policies and programmes that protect young people and promote sustainable development across Kano State.”
V-PeSDI coordinator expressed confidence that his leadership will contribute significantly to building a safer, healthier, more secure, and drug-free Kano State where young people can realize their full potential and communities can flourish.
