The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has congratulated the Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, on his appointment as Co-Chair of the Kano State Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing the development as a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to public health and community development.
In a statement signed by the Coordinator of V-PeSDI, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, the organization said the appointment reflects the confidence reposed in Dr. Magashi’s leadership, integrity, professional competence, and years of dedicated service toward improving public health, social development, and the well-being of the people of Kano State and Nigeria.
The organization commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what it described as a strategic and timely decision to strengthen the state’s response to drug abuse through the reconstituted Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force.
According to the statement, the planned establishment of a mobile court to facilitate the speedy prosecution of drug-related offences demonstrates the Kano State Government’s determination to tackle substance abuse, which it described as one of the most pressing social and public health challenges facing communities across the state.
V-PeSDI also applauded the inclusion of representatives from key institutions, including the Kano State Sharia Commission, saying the move would ensure a comprehensive, collaborative, and culturally responsive approach to addressing drug abuse.
The organization noted that substance abuse continues to pose serious threats to families, communities, educational institutions, economic productivity, public safety, and the future of young people, stressing that tackling the challenge requires coordinated action involving government institutions, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and community stakeholders.
It expressed confidence that Dr. Magashi’s appointment comes at a critical time when visionary leadership, evidence-based policy implementation, and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential to effectively address the growing menace of drug abuse.
The statement highlighted Dr. Magashi’s track record in advancing public health reforms, health financing advocacy, accountability, social protection, and community-based development initiatives through his work with the Africa Health Budget Network and other national and international partners.
According to V-PeSDI, Dr. Magashi’s wealth of experience and commitment to social justice and community development position him to provide strategic leadership that will strengthen the effectiveness of the Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force through innovative prevention strategies, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and evidence-based interventions.
The organisation further stated that drug abuse should not be viewed solely as a law enforcement issue but also as a public health, social, and developmental challenge that requires sustained investment in education, youth empowerment, mental health support, family strengthening, community engagement, and accessible rehabilitation services.
V-PeSDI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote drug abuse prevention, health education, youth engagement, disability inclusion, and community resilience, while pledging to collaborate with the Kano State Government, the Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance evidence-based policies and programmes.
The organisation prayed for Almighty Allah to grant Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba wisdom, strength, sound health, and divine guidance in the discharge of his new responsibilities, expressing confidence that his leadership would contribute significantly to building a safer, healthier, more secure, and drug-free Kano State where young people can realise their full potential.