UNODC, NDLEA applaud Kwara govt’s efforts in combating drug abuse

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The Kwara State Government has earned commendations from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its proactive measures in curbing drug abuse and trafficking, particularly among young people.

The accolades came as the state government concluded a two-day training programme on drug abuse prevention, treatment, and care in Ilorin, the state capital.

Organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, the programme trained 110 public secondary school teachers from across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Facilitated by UNODC representative, Titilope Ogunluyi and NDLEA Kwara, Hajia Fatimah Popoola, the training aimed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to address drug abuse among students effectively.

Ogunluyi praised the Kwara State Government’s commitment to fostering a drug-free society, emphasising the importance of sustained efforts to create a safer and healthier environment.

She reaffirmed UNODC’s partnership with the state in the campaign against drug abuse. The NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, represented by Deputy Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim, commended the initiative, highlighting the alarming statistics of drug abuse in Nigeria.

“This training demonstrates the Kwara State Government’s proactive approach in addressing this menace. By recognizing the critical role of educators in shaping young minds, the government is making a significant stride in securing a healthier future for our youth,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary, Rebecca Olarewaju stressed the urgent need to tackle drug abuse in public secondary schools.

She applauded the government’s focus on empowering teachers to identify and address substance abuse among students.

Special Assistant on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Aileru Mikhail, attributed the initiative to the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to him, “Governor AbdulRazaq’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of our youth is evident in his prioritization of drug abuse prevention. This training underscores his dedication to safeguarding the future of Kwara State.”

The training also drew support from institutions such as the UNODC, NDLEA, and Maverick Initiatives.

Aileru emphasised that the programme would empower teachers to become advocates for drug abuse prevention within their schools, equipping them to recognize signs of drug use and implement effective intervention strategies.

The event was attended by top government officials, including Commissioner for Communication, Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Youth, Shehu Ndanusa, Senior Special Assistant on Communication, Ibraheem Abdullateef, Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs Salami Wasiu Onidugbe, and Special Assistant on Digital Innovation, Kayode Ishola.