By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is set to host on Thursday the 2nd Kwara Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, reinforcing its commitment to addressing the rising challenge of substance abuse.
The summit, themed “Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for a Safer Kwara,” is being organized through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control and aims to develop effective strategies for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term solutions.
With synthetic drug abuse becoming an escalating public health and security concern, the state government is bringing together key stakeholders to confront the issue head-on. Synthetic drugs, known for their potency and unpredictability, have had devastating effects, particularly on young people.
In addition, this summit seeks to create a collaborative platform where policymakers, health professionals, educators, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies can discuss actionable solutions.
A major highlight of this year’s event will be the launch of the Kwara State Drug Abuse Prevention Campus Ambassadors. This pioneering initiative is designed to empower student leaders in tertiary institutions across the state, equipping them to lead awareness campaigns, foster responsible behavior, and contribute to a culture of drug abuse prevention within their school communities.
The summit is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, starting at 9:00 AM prompt. The event will feature distinguished speakers and panelists, including prominent academics, health professionals, social advocates, and policymakers.
Keynote speakers include the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Oyatoye Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Olufayo; Professor Issa Baba Awoye, Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Budo Egba, Kwara State; and Dr. A.A. Isiaq, a renowned scholar and social commentator.
The panel discussion will host influential figures such as Olaide Ahli, CEO of Olaidedahli Sports and Entertainment Management Company Ltd and President of the Kwara Development Group; Ambassador Mukhtar Afonja, Provost of Adewale Ibrahim College of Health Sciences; Dr. Mahmud Danjuma Musa, a senior lecturer at the University of Ilorin; and Hon. Asefon Dayo Sunday, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Student Matters.
Other panelists include Miss Monisola Oluwadamilola Akindele, founder of Muni’s Sickle Cell Anaemia and Drug Abuse Foundation, and Pastor Oyedapo Ademuyiwa Ipadeola, a respected cleric.
The summit is expected to draw a wide range of participants, including government officials, traditional rulers, educators, students, sports administrators, media personalities, politicians, health professionals, and law enforcement agencies.
As Kwara State takes bold steps to combat the growing drug crisis, this gathering presents an opportunity for stakeholders to shape policies, strengthen prevention frameworks, and develop comprehensive intervention strategies.
The state government remains committed to safeguarding its citizens, particularly the youth, from the dangers of drug abuse, while fostering a safer and healthier society for all.
