Kano – June 22, 2026 – The Kano State Government has pledged support for a US-based mental health and youth rehabilitation programme selected to pilot in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya gave the assurance when he received the Chief Executive Officer of House of Joy, Ronke Kayode, and her delegation in Kano.
Waiya said Kano was chosen as the pilot location ahead of other states due to its diverse population and peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups. He said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf welcomed development-focused initiatives that improve citizens’ wellbeing and would provide necessary support for the project.
He noted that partnerships between government and non-governmental organisations were key to addressing challenges affecting vulnerable groups, particularly youths.
Waiya highlighted the state’s Safe Corridor Initiative, which seeks to rehabilitate and reintegrate about 1,000 youths previously involved in political violence, drug abuse and other anti-social activities.
He said the objectives of House of Joy aligned with the state’s vision on mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, counselling and substance abuse prevention.
Kayode said House of Joy is a US-based non-profit organisation working on mental healthcare, youth empowerment and community development. She said the organisation had implemented volunteer-driven programmes in the US to address drug and substance abuse among young people through mentorship and guidance.
She disclosed that House of Joy was partnering with Kola & Funke Foundation and New Ethics for Empowerment and Development Initiative, both based in Kano, to implement the pilot project.
Kayode said Kano was recommended by the organisation’s Nigerian partners and selected for its strategic importance and potential for impact.
