Kwara Community Battles Drug Abuse as Nightclubs Proliferate

The Kwara State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Fatima Popoola, has expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse in the Malete community, particularly among students of the Kwara State University. According to Popoola, the increasing number of nightclubs in the area has contributed significantly to the growing problem of substance abuse. She revealed that the agency has made repeated arrests related to the abuse of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, in the community. Popoola attributed the trend to the ease of access to the substance, which is often inhaled at social gatherings and parties. The NDLEA commander warned that the agency would not tolerate drug abuse among students and urged landlords and house agents to be more vigilant in screening prospective tenants. She also commended the management of the Kwara State University for implementing the Federal Government's drug integrity testing policy, which aims to eliminate drug abuse among students. Popoola announced that the agency had secured approval to establish an operational office in Malete to strengthen surveillance and enforcement activities. The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Prof. Luqman Jimoh, reiterated the institution's commitment to addressing the problem of drug abuse and promoting a safe and healthy environment for students.