The Northern Governors Wives Forum (NGWF) on Monday in Abuja pledged to intensify the advocacy against drug abuse in the country.
Chairperson of the forum, Kaduna state governor’s wife, Mrs Hadiza El-Rufai, made the pledge shortly after she was unanimously elected by members of the forum.
While expressing concern over the rate of drug abuse in the society, the new chairperson cautioned against the consequences of drug abuse and addiction in the society.
“We will keep trying because there are many things we can do for prevention.
“We need to educate people and one of the most important things is to reduce the stigma that people have because the stigma prevents people from coming out to look for help.
“So, we should reduce the stigma and remember it is an illness,’’ she stressed.
El-Rufai further expressed concern over incessant kidnappings in the country and condemned payment of ransom as a solution.
“Kidnapping is a very big problem that has been worrying all of us and I am sure every Nigerian is worried about this issue.
“It is really a sad thing if a child gets kidnapped but at the same time the payment of ransom is not the solution to the problem.
“So I think that the government should not pay ransom to kidnappers but we are parents and we know about emotions.”
While expressing concern over the situation, the governor’s wife said she could not blame parents for going out to source funds to pay so that their children would be brought back.
“We know what it means but that is a sad situation that we have found ourselves in but we have to be strong as the government cannot continue to pay ransom.
“If you pay you are just encouraging these people to continue, which is what has happened in Nigeria.
“Before when they kidnap, they ask for N5 million or N10 million but now they are asking for N500 million and when will it end,’’ she said.
