UNODC, NDLEA applaud Kwara govt's efforts in curbing drug abuse, trafficking

• As govt completes 2-day training on prevention, treatment

The Kwara State Government on Thursday concluded a 2-day training on drug abuse prevention, treatment and care amid applause by international and national bodies for its efforts in arresting the trend of the menace, especially among young people.

The capacity building training, which was put together by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, drew participation from 110 public secondary school teachers across the 16 LGAs of the state.

Held in Ilorin, the state capital, the session was facilitated by United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) representative Mrs Titilope Ogunluyi and State Commander NDLEA Kwara Hajia Fatimah Popoola.

Ogunluyi lauded the commitment of Kwara State Government to a drug-free society, saying it will engender a safer and healthier environment for everyone.

She said the UNODC is happy to partner with the state on the drug abuse prevention campaign, calling for sustained efforts in that regard.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Rtd. Brigadier General Buba Marwa, said the training initiative demonstrates the proactiveness of the Kwara State Government in addressing the growing menace of drug abuse among young people.

“Your recognition of the pivotal role educators play in shaping the minds of young people and in preventing drug abuse is highly commendable,” the NDLEA chief, who was represented by Deputy Director, Drug Demand Reduction, Abuja, Mr. Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim, stated.

Muhammed said the statistics on drug abuse in Nigeria are alarming and paint a sobering picture.

“I commend the Kwara State Government for its leadership in addressing this critical issue and for extending an invitation to the Agency to be part of this impactful initiative. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a brighter, healthier future for our young people,” he added.

Representative of the Commissioner for Education and Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Bake Olarewaju, said it was high time everyone joined hands together to fight the menace of drug abuse in public secondary schools.

“There are several students who consume drugs out of fun or for various other reasons. It has become the most common thing in recent days and many youth are destroying their lives by getting addicted to the drugs,” she said.

The Commissioner commended the Special Assistant on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Hon. Aileru Olamilekan Mikhail, for organising the training for teachers, noting they will be well equipped to curb the trend of drug abuse in the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, Aileru said the training initiative underscores the visionary leadership of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the fight against drug abuse.

“Governor AbdulRazaq has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the well-being of our youth. He firmly believes that investing in our young people is paramount to the progress and prosperity of our state. Recognizing the devastating impact of drug abuse on our youth, the Governor has prioritized prevention efforts, ensuring that we address this issue proactively and comprehensively,” he said.

The governor's aide thanked institutions that partnered with the state government for the training, including the UNODC, NDLEA, and Maverick Initiatives.

“This training program will empower our teachers to become champions of drug abuse prevention within their schools. They will learn to identify risk factors, recognize the signs of drug use among students, and implement effective prevention strategies,” Aileru said.

The training was attended by top government functionaries including the Commissioner for Communication Mrs Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Youth Hon. Shehu Ndanusa; Senior Special Assistant on Communication Hon. Ibraheem Abdullateef; Special Assistant on Students' Affairs Salami Wasiu Onidugbe; and Special Assistant on Digital Innovation Hon. Kayode Ishola.