By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, NSCIA, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on Thursday lamented the growing trend of drug abuse among women and youths, challenging the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria(SOGON) to use its platform in reversing the trend.
Speaking at the formal opening of SOGON’s 51st Annual National Conference in Sokoto, Abubakar who was the chairman of the occasion expressed serious concern over the ugly trend that is fast affecting public morality.
However, the conference tagged: SOGON- Sokoto 2017 has as its theme: ” Maternal and Newborn Health in a Challenging Economy.”
The revered monarch further advocated for the ban production, sale and consumption of such drugs that were being abused.
According to him” the trend is quite disturbing. How can SOGON use its offices to check-mate it even cough syrups such that one cannot just go to any chemist to buy such drugs”, he stressed.
According to the royal father” We are going to table the issue during our meeting of traditional rulers. It will form part of the discussions to be held”, he said.
Earlier, Professor Brian Adinna, National President of SOGON) said no nation can develop and perform better without proper family planning and effective provision of health services for women and the newborn.
He noted that maternal health was a sensitive aspect in health services delivery of any society.
According to Adinma, the theme of the conference was well chosen in view of the contemporary experiences and economic down turn affecting the health sector in delivering services.
He said women were more vulnerable to numerous health complications as cervical cancer, VVF among other related ailments.
According to him” SOGON is out to effectively ensure the reduction of maternal mortality to the barest minimum.”
He further stated that the society has taken the responsibility to invite specialised partners from across the world to complement and update it’s focus towards addressing maternal mortality and child health challenges.
Adinma however, commended Governor Tambuwal for his various health projects and support in the state.
” We are aware of your giant strides in the establishment of basic health institutions, the community health insurance initiative and structures.
Similarly, he eulogised the unprecedented efforts of Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe state for his unequalled compassion for maternal and child health.
Highlights of the event were the conferment of an honorary status membership on Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe state and the unveiling of SOGON’s Journal by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal with a donation of N10 million each by the government’s of the two states while commending the Yobe state government for the resilience and courage displayed in achieving so much within the health sector in the midts of Boko Haram insurgents persistent attacks on the state in the last 6 years.
Also was the formal induction of 29 new members of SOGON at the well attended event witnessed by the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Deputy Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, wife of Kebbi state Governor, Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu Shinkafi, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of YOHA, Members HoRs, Emirs of Machina, Ngazargamu, Jajere, Fika and Damaturu among other personalities that cut across all sectors including politicians especially from Yobe state
