The NDLEA Expands its Anti-Drug Campaign to Schools in Kwara

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled an expanded strategy in its fight against drug abuse within secondary schools in Kwara. This initiative is set to be carried out through collaborative efforts with schools participating in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) school clubs.

This development was communicated in a statement issued following a town hall meeting between the NDLEA and principals of secondary schools in Ilorin. Mr. Ibrahim Bashir, the Kwara Commander of the NDLEA, reiterated the importance of introducing WADA Clubs as part of extracurricular activities in secondary schools. The primary goal is to combat the growing issue of drug abuse among young people.

To bolster this effort, the agency intends to deploy trained volunteers to secondary schools. These volunteers will help coordinate WADA activities and rejuvenate programs such as the ‘National Essay Competition,’ aiming to engage students in a positive manner.

The communique from the meeting underscores the pivotal role of teachers in preventing drug abuse and educating their students. It also suggests that the Ministry of Education should make religious studies a compulsory subject for students. Additionally, the meeting advocated for leveraging modern technology, such as the creation of an app, internet resources, and social media, to educate students about the detrimental consequences of drug abuse.

Mr. Yahaya Aliyu, the Zonal Commander of the agency responsible for Zone ‘C,’ encompassing Niger, Kogi, and Kwara States, discussed the NDLEA’s role in mitigating drug abuse, encompassing both demand and supply reduction. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach among all stakeholders in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

Another noteworthy decision arising from the meeting is the establishment of suggestion boxes in various locations, particularly in offices and schools. These boxes will serve as a platform for individuals to propose effective strategies for discouraging young people from engaging in illicit drugs and other harmful substances.