Kano State has been selected as the pilot location for a United States-based mental health and youth rehabilitation programme aimed at addressing substance abuse, promoting mental wellness, and supporting the reintegration of vulnerable young people into society.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Sani Abba Yola.
The development was disclosed during an advocacy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of House of Joy, Mrs. Ronke Kayode, and her delegation to the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, welcomed the initiative and commended the organization for choosing Kano from among the 36 states of the federation for the pilot phase of the intervention programme.
Waiya described Kano as a cosmopolitan state and a miniature representation of Nigeria, where people from diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds live and work together peacefully. He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to supporting programmes that promote mental health awareness, youth development, drug abuse prevention, and community rehabilitation.
According to the commissioner, the state government remains open to partnerships with development organizations and humanitarian groups whose objectives align with efforts to improve the welfare of citizens and address social challenges confronting young people.
Drawing from his more than two decades of experience in civil society advocacy, Waiya emphasized the important role non-governmental organizations play in complementing government interventions. He noted that collaboration between government institutions and development partners is crucial to addressing issues affecting vulnerable groups and strengthening social development.
The commissioner also highlighted the Kano State Government’s Safe Corridor Initiative, a rehabilitation and reintegration programme designed for youths previously involved in political violence, drug abuse, and other anti-social activities.
He revealed that approximately 1,000 youths are expected to benefit from the programme through structured rehabilitation, counselling, skills development, and empowerment initiatives aimed at helping them become productive members of society.
Waiya observed that the objectives of House of Joy align closely with the state’s vision in areas such as mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, counselling services, and substance abuse prevention. He expressed confidence that the organization’s expertise would strengthen ongoing efforts to support vulnerable youths across the state.
Earlier, Mrs. Kayode explained that House of Joy is a United States-based humanitarian and advocacy organization dedicated to mental healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development.
She said the organization works with healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, and has implemented several volunteer-driven programmes in the United States focused on preventing drug and substance abuse among young people through mentorship, counselling, and positive life alternatives.
According to her, House of Joy seeks to help young people identify solutions to personal and social challenges while promoting resilience, emotional well-being, personal growth, and responsible decision-making.
Mrs. Kayode disclosed that the organization is partnering with Kano-based organizations, Kola & Funke Foundation (KAF Care Foundation) and New Ethics for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEEDIN), to implement the pilot project in the state.
She explained that Kano was recommended by the organization’s Nigerian partners and was subsequently selected because of its strategic importance, population size, and potential for impactful intervention.
Expressing optimism about the partnership, Kayode said the initiative would contribute significantly to tackling mental health challenges, reducing substance abuse among young people, and strengthening community development efforts across the state.
The advocacy visit marks another step in Kano State’s efforts to build partnerships with local and international organizations in addressing youth-related challenges and promoting social rehabilitation programmes aimed at fostering a safer and more productive society.
