Communities in Kwara give vital information to tackle drug abuse – NDLEA

The Kwara Commander of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Mohammed Ibrahim-Bashir has disclosed that Communities in Kwara have been cooperating and giving out useful information to help tackle drug abuse in the state.

Ibrahim-Bashir disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen in commemoration of 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking held at Banquet Hall, Ilorin.

He said in recent time, the agency has not recorded any community being hostile,rather they are more friendly and giving out useful information to tackle drug abuse.

Reports that the theme for the 2024 UN-Day programme ” The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

The commander said prevention is key and the way to go, rather than tackling the consequences.

” We are progressing in the last one year in aspect of prevention unlike in the past that communities been hostile and not friendly.

” We now have a changed story in Kwara.We have not recorded any community been hostile,rather they are more friendly and as well give us a vital information to make our work easier.

” The communities are doing their best to ensure vital information are disclosed to us. The community leaders, youths and everyone are cooperating,” he said.

He said the agency is sustaining its advocacy to prevent drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

According to him, the advocacy is aimed at capturing the 16 LGs in the state and it has started successfully whereby 12 LGs have been captured.

Ibrahim-Bashir also described the collaboration with sister agencies as perfect as they work hand in hand with other security agencies in the state to curb drugAbuse.

He advised the youths and the public to shun hard drugs and excessive consumption of drugs as it is dangerous to their health.

The commander also appealed to the public to render necessary assistance possible for achieving a drug – free society.

He commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara for his support towards ensuring Kwara is free from drug peddlers and abusers.

The Kwara First Lady, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRasaq said Children are the most vulnerable people to drug abuse.

AbdulRasaq who was represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed – El-Imam said counseled children and youths to abstain from drug abuse.

According to her, children can be easily lure into practices and should be well sensitize not to fall victim.

She described the children as young Ambassadors and need to be thoroughly guided to avoid been trap into such evil act.

She said drugs can make someone loose their mind and mental strength when it matters most.

” Drug abuse can ruin your life , don’t attempt to taste it. Avoid it completely and say No.

” Drug abuse can cause a terminal disease, can lead to death, can lead to so many dangerous things that will never allow you to attain your full potential.

” Shun drug abuse and focus on your career as a student,” she counseled the students in attendance,” she said.

The Guest speaker of the occasion, Pharm. Grace Aliyu, advised parents to act as a watch dog to their children and prevent them from engaging in drug abuse act.

Aliyu tasked parents to lay good example to their children and counsel them on dangers of drug abuse.

She also called for medication management programe as a preventive measure where public can be well sensitized.

The guest speaker said abstinence from drug abuse will help reduce crime rate in the society.

Reports that all Heads of security agencies in the state were present at the event and as well delivered their goodwill messages on the need to tackle drug abuse.

Over 15 public and private schools representatives we’re present at the event.

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