By Veritas News Hub
Ilorin, Kwara State – 26th June 2026
In commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, a frontline pro-Kwara advocacy and youth development organization, has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kwara State Command, for remarkable progress in curbing drug abuse and making the state safer for residents.
The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the organization’s Public Relations Officer, Amb. Prosperity Kehinde Solomon, and the Convener, Amb. Anjorin Babatunde, and made available to journalists in Ilorin on Thursday.
According to the statement, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative noted that the rate and level of consumption of abused pharmaceutical drugs in Kwara State has reduced drastically over the past years, moving from a topic of daily public concern to what the organization described as “almost zero” in many communities.
The organization attributed this progress to the aggressive, intelligence-led operations and sustained public enlightenment campaigns of the NDLEA Kwara State Command under the leadership of the State Commandant, CN Hajia Fatima Abiola Popoola.
“The Kwara State Command has been tremendous and ever-ready. We recall how pharmaceutical drug abuse became a primary discussion in families, schools, and markets not long ago. But through consistent clampdown on dealers and strategic community engagement, the Command has restored sanity,” the statement read.
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative said the Command’s approach has shifted public perception from helplessness to hope, especially among parents and teachers who now see NDLEA as a partner rather than just an enforcement agency.
Special Recognition for Frontline Officer
The organization also gave special recognition to DCN Kenneth Odili, Commander of Operations and Training, for what it described as “frontline leadership in the fight against criminal drug elements.”
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative tagged DCN Odili the “WatchMan of Kwara Streets,” noting that his team’s operations have disrupted major supply routes and taken dangerous substances off the streets of Ilorin and other parts of the state.
“We promise to celebrate him soon for the everyday job well done. Men like DCN Odili represent the best of NDLEA — courageous, focused, and committed to protecting the next generation,” Amb. Solomon stated.
Call for Total Eradication of “Colorado”
While celebrating the gains made, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative urged NDLEA Kwara Command to intensify efforts toward the total eradication of “Colorado” and other New Psychoactive Substances, NPS, that continue to threaten youths in Ilorin metropolis, Offa, Omu-Aran, and surrounding communities.
The organization stressed that meaningful progress will only come when the entire supply chain of Colorado is dismantled — from manufacturers to distributors to street-level dealers.
“On this year’s commemorative day, we urge the Command to help hunt the entire Colorado drug chain. Cutting off the supply at the source is the only way to make Kwara State the safest and best it can be for our youths,” the Convener, Amb. Anjorin Babatunde, said.
He added that Kwara for Kwarans Initiative remains committed to supporting NDLEA through its ongoing “#SayNoToDrugs” Campaign and the proposed Club NDLEA in secondary schools across the state, which is designed to catch them young with drug prevention education.
The organization used the opportunity to plead with all Kwarans, irrespective of background, religion, or political affiliation, to cooperate with NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in the fight against drug abuse.
“Let us report suspicious activities. Let us support rehabilitation efforts. Let us speak up in our homes, schools, and communities. Kwara can only work for all Kwarans when we all take responsibility,” the statement concluded.
The UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed globally on June 26th each year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a Kwara free of drug abuse. The 2026 theme emphasizes prevention, treatment, and evidence-based solutions.
Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, through its advocacy, has been at the forefront of youth sensitization in Kwara since its “Stop Colos” campaign across the 16 LGAs of the state last year. The group says its goal is to build a drug-free generation that will drive development in Kwara South, North, and Central senatorial districts.
Signed:
Amb. Prosperity Kehinde Solomon
Public Relations Officer
Amb. Anjorin Babatunde
Convener, Kwara for Kwarans Initiative
Contact: 07039617838
kwaraforkwarans@gmail.com
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