By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kwara State branch has said the association will do everything possible to reduce the high rate of drug abuse in the state.
Mrs Munirat Bello, the Chairman of ACPN-Kwara stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that research has revealed that drug use prevalence rate in Kwara is about 14 per cen, highest in North Central.
Bello explained that the association will partner with the Ilorin Emirate in order to intensify efforts against the high rates of drug abuse in Kwara.
She called for proactive measures in curbing drug menace by soliciting support from the Emir and other stakeholders
The chairman of ACPN said they will continue to collaborate with the traditional institutions and other key stakeholders to enable sanity in the drug distribution system in Kwara.
“We all have our roles to play to ensure a sane society. The statistics show high prevalence of drug use. There is porosity in the system, where drug is concerned, that is leading to these high rates,” she lamented.
“There must be strict enforcement system. The situation cannot continue, its an eyesore and we intend to make differennce and bridge the gap,” she said.
Responding, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, commended the association while also assuring the pharmacists that the Emirate will give the necessary support to the association.
The Emir advised the association to partner the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the menace of drug abuse in the state.
NAN reports that highlights of the programme includes presentation of medications to the Durbar committee of the Emirate.
