Center rehabilitates 788 drug addicts in Bauchi, accuses politicians of adultrating youths during campaigns
By Mohammed kaka Misau, Bauchi
A non government Organisation known as Malam Kawu Youth Rehabilitation and Orphanage Centre (MKYROC) Bauchi has disclosed that since its establishment in 2017 to date, 788 persons battling various forms of drug addiction have been rehabilitated in Bauchi state.
The Chairman of the center, Mallam Abdullahi Tahir stated this recently during a sensitization program he organized for stakeholders and the general public on the effect and danger of drugs abuse among youth in the society at the MKYROC centre, Unguwar Yakubu Wanka Street, Bauchi.
Mallam Tahir who also accused politicians of adultrating the lives of youths with drugs during electioneering campaigns, disclosed that the program was aimed at showcasing the various forms, types and ways the youths uses drugs to perpetrate criminal activities.
Tahir noted that through collective efforts, MKYROC with some international donors was able to rehabilitate the 788 persons including aged people.
The chairman of the center who explained that 165 persons were rehabilitated in 2017, 170 in 2018, 137 in 2019, 98 in 2020 and 218 in 2021 noted that the number reduced to 98 in the year 2020 due to the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the figure may probably increase as the country approaches the 2023 campaign activities.
Tahir while urging the federal government of Nigeria to consider the centre in its intervention programs, appealed to the well-to-do individuals to support and assist towards reducing the rate of drugs abuse in Bauchi state.
He said that the doors of the center are opened to everyone for collaboration, either in kind or in cash, with a view to eradicating the rate of the menace in Bauchi and beyond.
Highlights of the event include paper presentations by some guests as well as visitations to the rooms of the rehabilitating youths at the centre.