Olabode Adaramola.
Niger state has the highest number of youths that are into substance abuse in the North Central.
Wife of Niger state Governor and founder Raise Foundation Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, made the disclosure on Tuesday at the opening of a two day stakeholders workshop on the implementation of At Risk Children Programme(ARC-P) in Minna, the state capital.
Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, a Consultant Gynecologist while declaring the workshop opened explained that eventhough the survey was conducted in 2017, it was assumed that Niger state still has the highest number of youths that were into substance abuse in the whole of North Central states.
She however described the programme as commendable since it will empower the youths to engage in productive and meaningful ventures for the good of all.
In his welcome address , the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello reiterated the determination of his administration to leverage on existing initiatives and programmes to provide support and and strengthen efforts for effective implementation of The At Risk Children Programme.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government ( SSG)Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the Governor called on stakeholders to contribute positively in developing strategies for the implementation of the programme in the state.
He said this would enable the State to be rated as one of the best in catering for the needs of all categories of young people, including girl child , out of school children and the almajiris, irrespective of sex, religion, ethnic background and social status.
Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments Programme,Barr. Maryam Uwais said a total of seven states in Nigeria were currently participating in the programme and called on other state governments to key into the programme to make Nigerian youths to be more productive and useful to themselves and the society.
Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger state Council of Traditional Rulers Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar represented by Emir of Kagara Malam Ahmed Garba Gunna the 2nd explained that Traditional and Religious Leaders were in full support of programmes that will transform the youths in a more positive manner for maximum benefit.
