AbdulRazaq Reaffirms Commitment To Creating A ‘Drug-Free Kwara’

Governor AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has reaffirmed his commitment to creating a ‘Drug-Free State‘ through various multi-pronged interventions and social investment programmes

The 2023 edition of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, was held on Sunday, July 9, at the State’s Banquet hall, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, of Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, emphasized the need to tackle drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

He noted that the AbdulRazaq administration has deployed various strategies ‘to create an enabling environment that will encourage the growth and evolution of everyone in the state as productive.

He further listed the people-oriented investments and interventions aimed at providing an enabling environment, engaging the youths gainfully and deterring them from non-purposeful endeavours to include the ‘Kwara State Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, Garment Manufacturing factory, Ivitech and Sugar film factory, kwaprenuer as well as youth/students related interventions and support programmes’.

Earlier, the First Lady of Kwara State, Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, represented by Director of Public Health, in the State Ministry, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode charged rehabilitated youths who have just undergone skill acquisition training and wereventually empowered by the Nigeria Governors’ wives forum to stay away completely from drugs, in order to ensure brighter futre.

She, however, urged parents to support each other in the upbringing of their children to avert exposing them to illicit drug users in the society.

In her address, the Chairperson of Kwara State Drug Control Committee, Pharmacist Barakat Olanrewaju, reaffired that the theme of this year’s campaign is ‘People First, Stop Stigma, and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’ and it is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of treating people who are addicted with respect and empathy.

According to her, the committee through the support of Kwara State Government has over the years sensitized 65 secondary schools, 6 tertiary institution and 15 Communities on dangers inherent in the abuse of drugs, instead stakeholders and NGOs were encouraged to actively engage in Community activities and collaboration with the NDLEA amongst others to ensure a drug free society.

Speaking at the event, the acting State Commandant of NDLEA, Deputy Commander Narcotics, Adebimpe Oduwole, stated that the agency is actively pursuing the war against drug abuse by organising lectures, paying advocacy visits and sensitization activities at the grassroots, warning the public against stigmatization of hard drug users but encouraged government, private sectors and well meaning individuals to rise against drug abuse in the state.

“Today’s event was the grand finale of the week long activities in commemoration of this year’s United Nations International Day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, as the Kwara State Drug Control Committee had earlier embarked on public awareness programmes, sensitization at market places, motor parks, secondary and tertiary institution, road walk, essay/debate and music competitions among secondary schools students in the course of the week.

Highlights of the grand finale include special musical presentation by secondary students, drama sketch by NYSC ‘Drug free Club’ and presentation of prizes and awards to outstanding schools in both essay and music categories.