The Kwara State Government has cautioned youth against substance abuse, citing its devastating effects on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, stated this while speaking at an endurance walk organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Office of the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Control and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to commemorate World Drug Day 2025.
Hajia Imam warned that drug abuse will not be tolerated in the state and offenders would face strict sanctions if caught, explaining that the root causes of some crises in society are deeply associated with drug abuse.
The commissioner promised that the state government would intensify efforts against drug abuse towards ensuring a healthy society, as the state government would not trade the existing peace in the state for the menace.
She advised the public to seek medical attention if they or someone they know is struggling with the effects of substance abuse, while urging parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards closely, as prevention is key among the younger generation.
The Kwara State Commander of NDLEA, Hajiya Fatima Popola, who also took part in the walk, urged the public to heed the government’s advice and shun substance abuse.
She described substance abuse as a threat to the well-being and development of individuals and society, adding that no society could grow where drug abuse is prevalent.
