By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Stakeholders which included representatives of secondary school students, tertiary institutions, youths corps members, various groups,associations, security agencies and traditional institutions in Kwara were assembled in the banquet hall on Thursday by the government on the need for the youths to walk away from drugs, fulfil their goals in life and ensure the safety of the state of harmony.

Special assistant to Kwara state governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Mukail Aileru,who organised and coordinated the event titled,”Summit on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control” themed, Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for a Safer Kwara. disclosed that the state government is committed to tackling the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly the rising crisis of synthetic drugs, which, he said “poses a significant threat to public health, security, and the future of our youth”.

Aileru, who said that administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq recognizes that the lack of opportunities is one of the root causes of substance abuse, added that the administration has invested immensely in youth empowerment initiatives that provide alternatives to drugs and crime.

According to him,”Some of these investments include the Ilorin Innovation Hub, the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory, and the Kwarapreneur Programme, among others.

“These projects are designed to create employment, foster entrepreneurship, and empower our young people with the necessary skills to build successful
careers. Such initiatives not only secure the economic future of our youth but also steer them away from the dangers of drug abuse.”

Young motivational speakers which included traditional rulers ,young academia were among the speakers to the teaming youth at the event.

There were several videos clips at the event that showed how youths got involved in drugs and the sad end,so also were theatre plays that discouraged the youths from being involved in drugs.

In his presentation, titled, the Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Synthetic Drug Abuse: A Clinical Perspective” the Chief Medical Director (CMD,) Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, Kwara state, Dr. Issa Baba Awoye, said that the country has seen a rise in the production, trafficking and consumption of synthetic drugs, particularly among young people.

He listed examples of synthetic drugs as: tramadol, codein cough syrup, methamphetamine (meth), rohypnol, ecstasy among others.

He said: “These drugs, often cheaper and more accessible than traditional narcotics, pose significant risks to individuals and society.”

Awoye, who identified corruption within law enforcement and regulatory agencies as one of the challenges hampering efforts to control drug trade in the country, said that inadequate resources for drug control and rehabilitation programmes also restrict effectiveness.

Towards addressing the identified challenges, the drug expert said that synthetic drug use in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger law enforcement, public education, improved funding and improved access treatment and rehabilitation services.

Awoye said that social stigma around drug addiction prevents many from seeking help, therefore, called on people to discourage stigma of drug addicts.

He also said that addressing the root causes of drug abuse, such as poverty and unemployment, is critical to reducing the demand for these drugs.

“Obviously, we need to kill the use of psychoactíve synthetic drugs before it sends us to a point of uselessness”, he said.

The Oloro of Oro in Irepodun local government area of the state, His Royal Highness,Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye,Olufayo 11 in his remarks emphasised the need for everyone to stand against drug abuse because what is spent to control the sad effect is humongous compared to nothing that is spent on walking away from it.

The monarch,aged 41 also cautioned the youth against making celebrities, including trending musicians who thrive on drugs their role model urging them to be conscious of the sad consequences.

“You can chose your path in life without copying anyone, follow follow, can’t take you to anywhere. Even as musician you don’t need to be high before you get inspiration,it’s a blatant lie All you need to do is to sit down, research,think deep and pray about it,the inspiration will come “he said .