The Hijrah Islamic Organisation of Nigeria (HION) has raised alarm over the rising tide of drug abuse in Kwara State, describing it as a growing threat to societal values and public health.

Professor Yusuf Badmas, National Chairman of HION, issued the warning during an event in Ilorin to mark the Islamic New Year (1447 AH), stating: "Drug abuse is no longer confined to youth - it is spreading rapidly across all demographics. Immediate action is needed to curb this crisis."

He called on the state government to enforce the Ilorin Township Law (Prohibition of Production, Sale, and Consumption of Liquor in Certain Areas), enacted in 2018 , and extend it to other towns adhering to Islamic principles.

Professor Badmas also urged federal and state authorities to prioritise job creation for unemployed youth, linking economic empowerment to the reduction of substance abuse: "Without opportunities, many young people will turn to drugs and crime. Governments must act decisively to reverse this trend."

The event, attended by Islamic scholars, community leaders, and stakeholders, highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action to address social vices through policy and community engagement.

The chairman of the occasion, Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN), who was represented by Kehinde Eleja, said deliberate efforts must be made by all the stakeholders to provide employment opportunities for the youth to check the problem of insecurity across the country.

The keynote speaker and grand Khadi of Kwara state, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, advised the youth to take the advantage of education, entrepreneurship and technology, saying that "despite the challenges we face as a nation, and as Muslims, there is hope."

In his lecture, national missioner, Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdulmumeen Ayara, raised concern over what he called the decline in the number of Arabic and Islamic subjects teachers in both primary and secondary schools in Kwara state.

He said that the introduction of Civic Education as a subject cannot be a replacement for Arabic and Islamic subjects, urging the government to address the situation to arrest the rate of moral decadence in the society.