Less than 24 hours after he approved the establishment of a Taskforce on Drug Control, emerging reports have suggested that Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu, has made his wife, Zainab, its patron.
Bagudu’s directive was contained in a circular issued by Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar-Yauri.
Daily Post reported that the governor gave his spouse a role in the body tasked with reviewing and proposing policies and programmes on drug and substance abuse.
The circular stated that retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Umar Ambursa would be the Chairman of the Taskforce on Drug Control while the First Lady will serve as the Patron.
Among other things, the newly established task force will recommend and support conferences, seminars and meetings aimed at preventing and reducing drug use as well as sponsor basic and advanced training in matters relating to addictions and encourage research and publications.
Other members include representatives of the Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The task force also has officials from the ministries of justice, education, health, youth and sports development, women and social development.
The civil society, Christian and Muslim leadership, youth and student organisations, Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru Emirates will also be represented.
