The organizers of the 9th National Youth Summit on Drugs and Substance Abuse Prevention today commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State for his unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and substance addiction among young people in the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the summit, the National Coordinator of the African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP), Amb. Chris Ibe, lauded Governor Abdulrazaq’s proactive approach to drug abuse prevention, highlighting his establishment of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, as well as his support for various youth empowerment initiatives.
Governor Abdulrazaq’s leadership in addressing the scourge of drug abuse is an inspiration to other governors and stakeholders across the country,” said Mr. Ibe. “His commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Kwara’s youth is evident in his prioritization of drug prevention and rehabilitation programs.” “I sent letters to 36 states in the country, only Kwara State acknowledged and attend even with the short notice”.
The summit, which brought together over 200 youth leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the world focused on the theme “Building Support Systems: A Preventive Approach To Drug And Substance Abuse and Recovery Amongst Young People”.
In his goodwill message, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq represented by his Special Assistant on Drugs Abuse Prevention and Control, Hon. Aileru Olamilekan Mukail emphasized the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in tackling drug abuse. “We must empower our youth to become agents of change, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to make healthy choices and resist the lure of drugs,” he stated.
The Governor through his Special Assistant also highlighted the need for a holistic approach to drug prevention, addressing both the supply and demand sides of the equation. “We must strengthen law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking, while also investing in education, awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions,” he added.
Amongst those in attendance are Dr. Akanidomo K.J Ibanga, UNODC Project Lead of Alternative to Incarceration; Cressida de Witte, Communication Manager & Junior Project office of the World Federation Against Drugs; Treflyn Lloyd-Roberts, General Secretary of the International Substance Abuse & Addiction Coalition; Carlton Hall, President & CEO of the Carlton Hall Consulting LLC; CN Bashir Mohammed, NDLEA Kwara State Commander amongst others.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the “Building Support Systems Declaration on Youth Empowerment and Drug Abuse Prevention,” which outlines a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse among young people in Nigeria. The declaration calls for increased government funding for drug prevention programs, enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, and the promotion of life skills and positive alternatives for youth.
