Yusuf tasks new Kano commissioners to fight drug abuse, illegal mining

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has charged the newly appointed Commissioners for Information and Home Affairs and the Solid Minerals Resources to bring their wealth of experience to bear in addressing challenges facing their respective ministries.

Governor Yusuf especially urged the new Commissioner for Information Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa to strengthen public sensitisation against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, while promoting collaboration among relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

Yusuf gave the charge while administering the oath of office to the newly appointed commissioners stressing that public office is a position of trust that requires the highest standards of integrity, discipline and responsibility.

He challenged the Commissioner for Information, who previously served as Director-General of the state’s media team, to deploy his experience towards improving public communication and sensitising residents on the dangers of drug abuse.

The governor directed Dawakin-Tofa to work closely with the state’s Committee on Drug Abuse to strengthen its activities and improve public awareness campaigns.

He also called on the commissioner to collaborate with the committee in ensuring effective utilisation and improved services at the newly commissioned drug rehabilitation centre.

Yusuf further tasked him with strengthening and coordinating the state’s social media team to ensure professionalism, responsible communication and effective performance in disseminating government activities and policies.

He emphasised the need for close collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies to ensure timely and accurate communication of government programmes to the public.

On the new Commissioner for Solid Minerals Resources, Balarabe Saidu, the governor urged him to bring his experience in the mining industry to bear in repositioning the state’s solid mineral sector.

He directed the commissioner to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant stakeholders to harness Kano’s mineral deposits for economic growth and development.

According to the governor, the ministry must focus on creating employment opportunities, promoting economic prosperity and providing an enabling environment for investment in the sector.

Yusuf charged Saidu, a former Speaker Kano state house of Assembly, to synergize with security agencies to protect the state’s natural resources and take decisive measures against illegal mining activities.

He described the fight against illegal mining as a major responsibility of the ministry, urging the commissioner to work with security agencies to identify and clamp down on illegal miners.

The governor said the new administration remained committed to repositioning the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to the state’s economic development.