The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has commended stakeholders for their role in raising awareness on drug abuse and voter registration in the state.
Waiya, who was represented by the Director General of the International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) and Convener of the Quadripartite Alliance for Voter Registration, Comrade Dr. Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, made the remarks at a one-day seminar held in Nasarawa Local Government Area on Sunday.
The event, themed “Operating within NDLEA Laws, Identification of Illegal Drugs and Voter Registration Awareness,” was organized for newly recruited members of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) and brought together over 300 participants, including representatives of security agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders.
In his keynote address, Dr. Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, delivered a paper titled “The Role of Civil Society in Supporting the Ongoing Online Pre-Voter Registration and Mobilization Process in Kano.” He stressed the importance of civic participation, digital voter registration, and community engagement in strengthening peace and democracy.
Dr. Yusuf also reaffirmed the Commissioner’s commitment to supporting social reform, youth empowerment, and civic education initiatives across the state.
During the seminar, Certificates of Participation were presented to trained WADA members, while the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs was honoured with an Award of Recognition for his leadership in public enlightenment, peacebuilding, and anti-drug campaigns.
Comrade Muhammad Tukur Garba, representing the Institute for Human Development and Information Technology (IHDIT), joined Dr. Yusuf in receiving the award on behalf of the Commissioner.
Dignitaries in attendance included representatives of the Permanent Secretary, Policy and Administration, Government House, Kano; NDLEA Fagge Area Command; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nasarawa LGA; Divisional Police Officers from Gwagwarwa, Zango, and Kwana Hudu; village heads of Gama, Tudun Wada, Gwagwarwa, and Dakata; as well as officials from the Hisbah Board and various civil society groups.
The seminar focused on strengthening community-based efforts to curb drug abuse, improving inter-agency collaboration among the Ministry of Information, NDLEA, and security agencies, and promoting citizen participation in voter registration and peacebuilding.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Yusuf expressed appreciation to the organizers and pledged that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs would soon organize a capacity-building programme for WADA members in collaboration with NDLEA, IPSS, and other partners.
He further assured that emerging concerns over non-conventional drugs identified by the NDLEA would be presented to the Commissioner for government consideration and possible policy action in partnership with the Hisbah Board and other relevant agencies.
The Commissioner, through his representative, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, civic participation, and community development across Kano State.
