By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with Kwara State University (KWASU), on Tuesday sensitised students in Malete to the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the sensitization programme, the Commander of Narcotics, Dr. Fatima Popoola lamented on the rising cases of drug trafficking in Malete community, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara.
She explained that the Agency has intercepted vehicle filled with Nitrous-oxide cylinders popularly called “laughing gas” at the community.
According to her, laughing gas is known to be a popular inhalants, used by young people during parties.
Popoola also observed the influx of Club-Houses around the community, while also warning such establishment to desist in trafficking drugs to young people especially the students.
“There is no problem if young people want to hang out to have good time. But avoid drug and substance use.
“Some drug dealers deliberately rent rooms at hostels where students reside. House Agent should be careful whom they lease houses to,” she warned.
The NDLEA Commander of Narcotics expressed concern that such drug-traffickers are targeting the Malete community where students are engaged in studying.
She reiterated that the Agency will not condone such activities, and will do everything possible to apprehend the culprits to justice.
She also emphasized the readiness of NDLEA to partner with KWASU, traditional leaders in the communities and Students Union bodies to eradicate the menace.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Shaykh Jimoh also expressed readiness of the institution to support NDLEA in building a safe, healthy, and drug-free academic where students can thrive intellectually, monally, and socially.
“We sincerely appreciate your commitment to the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“Your continuous cooperation with our university and your dedication in public enlightenment have contributed significantly to efforts aimed at curting the menace of drug abuse within our communities,” he said.
Jimoh warned that drug abuse remains one of the most pressing social and public health challenges confronting societies across the world.
He warned that its consequences extend beyond the individual to families, educational institutions, communities, and the nation at large.
“It undermines academic performance, fuels criminal activities, destroys careers, and deprives young people of their anormous potential.
“This is why sustained awareness, education, and preventive measures are essential, while warning that the institution has zero-tolerance to drug and substance abuse,” he said.
In her Lecture, the Director of KWASU Seniour Citizen Quarters, Dr. Nimat Idris described drug abuse as the harmful or inappropriate use of legal or illegal substance resulting in physical, psychological, academic or social harm.
Idris disclosed that there are rising cases of Kidney diseases in the country, which, she attributed to rise in cases of drug use among young people.
She listed some of the drugs to include cannabis, tramadol, cough syrups, cocaine, tobacco and alcohol among others.
The expert advise the students not to be misled by peer pressure or curious about drugs, while appealing to them to have purpose in life.
She also advised them to engage in sporting activities and healthy recreation, while reminding them that they are the future of the country.
Idris also advised the University to establish telemedicine booth, adding that young people will be able to utilise such services without fear of stigma.
Similarly, the Youth Leader of Malate communy, Mr Aremu Usman said the community is ready to collaborate with NDLEA and KWASU to reduce the rising cases of drug trafficking in the town.
He also appealed that the Agency also extend their office-base to the community, adding that Malete will support such move with lands to build the NDLEA base.
