Kwara, NDLEA combat drug abuse among youth

National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kwara State government have agreed to combat increasing rate of drug abuse among youth in the state.

Speaking with journalists during a one-day medical seminar, kick off drug abuse among youth, in Ilorin at the weekend, the head, drug demand reduction unit in the agency, Mr. Friday Oluwi, described drug abuse in the state as worrisome.

“Drug abuse situation in Kwara state is worrisome.  In fact, when I use the word drug abuse, I should interchange it with substance abuse. There are so many substance s that are being abused. There are some illicit drugs. These drugs are for normal treatment of ailment but people now use them for abuse sake. Just to get high. For purposes the drug are not meant. And producers are selling, people are dying”, he said.

Mr. Oluwi who, however, said that the agency had entered into agreement with the state government to tackle the menace, said the agency had engaged in rehabilitation of more than 50 clients this year.

“We appeal, lecture and sensitise people to know 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,” he said.