Kwara State Marks 2026 World Drug Day with Renewed Commitment Against Substance Abuse

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The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as stakeholders gathered to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Kwara State, Amb. (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq represented by the  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdulahi, described drug abuse as a major public health and social challenge with devastating effects on individuals, families, communities, and the nation's economy.

The First Lady noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has continued to support drug control activities through the Kwara State Drug Control Committee. 

She disclosed that the committee has intensified evidence-based drug prevention programmes across schools and communities in all  the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

She emphasized that addressing substance abuse requires more than law enforcement, stressing the need for prevention, public awareness, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of affected persons into society. 

She also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, for its unwavering efforts in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Kwara State Drug Control Committee, Pharm. Barakat Olarewaju, said this year's theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," reflects the growing complexity of substance abuse, particularly among young people.

She explained that beyond conventional hard drugs, communities now face increasing threats from synthetic drugs, prescription medicine misuse, self-medication, and the online marketing of drug-laced products such as cookies, cakes, and smoothies through social media platforms.

According to her, the committee, with the support of the Kwara State Government, has carried out extensive sensitization campaigns across the state and successfully implemented evidence-based drug prevention programmes in 55 secondary schools and 28 communities last year.

She appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the First Lady for their continuous support towards achieving a drug-free Kwara.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Guest speaker, Barr. Jumoke Olaoye, defined drug abuse as the improper use of drugs without a doctor's prescription, including the misuse of prescription medicines and the consumption of illegal drugs for pleasure rather than medical purposes.

She identified peer influence, unemployment, poverty, family problems, poor parental care, and easy access to drugs as some of the major causes of substance abuse. 

She urged parents, teachers, community leaders, and young people to work together in preventing drug misuse through education, awareness, and positive lifestyle choices.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Gladys Oyedepo, who represented the NDLEA, Kwara State Commandant, Mrs. Fatima Popoola, emphasized that drug abuse and illicit trafficking continue to threaten individuals, families, and communities worldwide. 

She encouraged everyone to promote healthy living, support those seeking recovery, and empower young people to reject drugs in pursuit of a brighter future.

The event featured various activities, including; football and music competitions involving secondary schools. ECWA Secondary School, Ilorin, emergence as the overall winner in both the football and music competitions, added excitement to the day's celebration.

The commemoration ended with a renewed call on all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and to build healthier, safer, and drug-free communities across Kwara State.

Ishaq Azeezat Joke 
0803521129

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