The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday sought the support of religious leaders, parents and communities for the fight against drug peddling and abuse in the state.
The governor and Kwara State Commandant of NDLEA, Hajia Fatima Popoola, made the call at a programme marking the 2026 International Drug Day organised by the Balogun Gambari Wards Development Association (BAGWADA) held in Ilorin, the state capital.
Represented by his senior adviser and counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu, the governor urged clerics to tailor their teachings, preachings and sermon on the deadly effects of drug abuse on the users.
He restated the commitment of his administration to continue to fund, partner, and protect every effort that would keep the youths alive, healthy, and productive.
AbdulRazaq said, “Hard drugs do not only destroy health, they destroy ambition, education, security, and the future of Kwara. Today’s sensitisation is therefore not just an event, it is an intervention to save a generation.
AbdulRazaq said he has made youth protection and public safety a priority policy of his administration.
He said that his administration has provided operational support to the NDLEA to enhance its operation across the state.
On her part, the state commandant of NDLEA, Hajia Fatima Popoola urged parents, guardians and communities to join hands with her agency in the fight against drug peddling and abuse by providing it with useful information on the activities of drug peddlers.
Represented by her deputy, Usman Jibril, Popoola said her agency would continue to collaborate with communities and sensitise students, teachers and critical stakeholders on the danger of drug abuse.
In his remarks, the Imam Gambari of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman AbdulAzeez advocated the return to community parenting as a solution to drug abuse amongst the youths.
The chairperson of Kwara Drug Control Committee, Alhaja Barakat Olanrewaju, represented by Mr Ade Bodunde said as part of efforts to discourage drug abuse among the youths, has made drug tests mandatory for students who gained admissions to tertiary institutions and candidates shortlisted for employment.
The chairman of BAGWADA, Engr Ayo Awodi said the event climaxed days of awareness campaign carried out by the organisation across Gambari, Ibagun and Sango wards “spreading an important message that preventing drug abuse is a responsibility we all share.”
