According to a news report from Voice of Nigeria, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has stated that his administration is enhancing its collaboration with security agencies to curb drug abuse.

Speaking in Ilorin at an event commemorating the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, attended by the state Commander of NDLEA, Mohammed Bashir Ibrahim, AbdulRazaq noted that Kwara is among the states with a high prevalence of drug abuse due to its strategic location as a gateway between the South and the North.

He explained that some individuals aim to disrupt the existing peace in the state, which is known as the State of Harmony.

The event, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” was organised by the state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the state Drug Control Committee and the office of the state First Lady.

AbdulRazaq, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminat Ahmed el-Imam, emphasised that the state is investing in prevention to break the cycle of suffering. He highlighted that drug abuse diminishes hope and discourages vulnerable individuals from realising their potential, urging young people to reject drug abuse.

“We are investing in prevention to break the cycle of suffering. We are doing this because those who involve in drug abuse usually battle with organs failure.

“With drug abuse, the vulnerable segment among us suffer the more, and they will never gain their potential. We are saying this because children are the most vulnerable”, AbdulRazaq said.

Also speaking, the state First Lady, Ambassador (Professor) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, said her pet project, Ajike People’s Support Centre has equipped and rehabilitated many people in the state.

Mrs AbdulRazaq noted that her office was partnering with NDLEA and others alike to protect Kwarans, adding that the state Drug Control Committee has been going round, sensitizing people on the danger associated with the drug abuse.

She, however, congratulated the Governor for facing headlong the menace of drug abuse in the state.

In his welcome address, the state Commander of NDLEA, Mohammed Bashir disclosed that the reduction in the supply of drugs In the state is centered on raids, and search operations as well as interdiction special operations tagged “Operation Gbalumo and Tap Root” which covers the entire sixteen location government areas of the state including the two boarder posts in the state.

According to him, the action of the command led to the arrest of three hundred and seventy three (373) suspects.

According to him, during the period under review, the command recorded seventy eight (78) convictions while there are thirty five (35) pending cases before the Federal High Court, Ilorin.

Bashir also revealed that ten (10) clients were admitted and eight (8) were discharged.

The Magaji Aare of Ilorin, Alhaji Aremu Zubair, who represented the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at the programme, thanked NDLEA for doing what he referred to as a “wonderful job”.

He also felicitated the state government on its giant stride aimed at curbing the prevalence of drug abuse in the state.