Date: 2016-12-06

The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kwara State government have said substance abuse was on the rise in the state, but they have also resolved to stamp it out.

Speaking at a-one day seminar in Ilorin, the state capital, Head, Drugs Demand Reduction Unit of the agency, Friday Oluwi described drug and substance abuse in the state as worrisome.

He said, "Drug abuse situation in Kwara state is worrisome, people abuse different kinds of drugs. There are so many substances that are being abused. There are some illicit drugs. These drugs are for normal treatment of ailments but people now use them for abuse sake just to get high, for purposes the drugs are not meant for. And producers are selling, people are dying."

Mr. Oluwi, who said that the agency had entered into agreement with the state government to tackle the menace, said the agency has been rehabilitating clients.

"We appeal, lecture and sensitise people to know the danger inherent in drug abuse and consequences of abusing drugs. We appeal. We don't see abusers as criminals, rather we see them as victims that need help. If they continued in that way and we don't bring them back in love they may never recover. So we do what we call counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. And we carry out public enlightenment campaign.

"As at today, the federal government brought manpower. The states are supposed to use us. So, if the states can come in to assist it will bring better result.

"Our success rate is 80 per cent in Kwara State. And by UN assessment, we top the chart. Why is it so? For every 10 person discharged, we expect two back. Why would they come back? The nature of the drug the person was abusing. The nature of his system or the way the person is made up, facilities available for the rehabilitation, then level of cooperation of the family. Most families, when they are recovering, don't want to take them back. They don't trust them any longer. "Currently, there are 25 clients with us on rehabilitation. We have discharged about 32 persons. Age range is between 20 and 45 and recently someone of 53 years came, but since rehabilitation move is not by force, he said he does not belong there. He told his people that he couldn't stay. The opinion of person coming for rehabilitation is always considered."

Mr. Oluwi added, saying, "For those who have never used drugs, let them not use it, while those in it should retrace their steps. But rehabilitation is not cheap. The minimum period you will be with us in NDLEA is three months. For the 90 days, the parents will have to be responsible for the feeding and the medication.

"Most parents, when they come around, discover that they have to play that role and sometimes they live with their problems. So in other states, the assistance like feeding of clients is being provided by state governments. But we have not received such as at now. The commissioner for health has just invited me to see him for possible intervention. We hope something would come out of that."

In a remark, a sociologist and convener of the programme, Queen Nimat Siaka said her encounter with robbery gangs twice who were predominantly youths prompted her get involved in the project to tackle the menace.

"They are frustrated and they get involved in drugs. They engage in drugs to commit dastardly crimes. So, we mobilise and sensitise youths against drug abuse. We take the campaign across states. We also refer clients to rehabilitation centres. Despite challenges encountered we keep on," she said.