Honorable Aileru Olamilekan Mukail, the Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor, recently highlighted crucial efforts in combating drug abuse during an interview with the Pristinegist Online News Platform.
The revelation comes in the aftermath of the 9th National Youth Summit on Drugs Abuse Prevention in Abuja.
In the interview, Honorable Mukail expressed his major takeaway from the summit – the commendation and accolades bestowed upon Governor Abdulrahman, the chairman of the Governor’s Forum in Nigeria.
These accolades were in recognition of the governor’s commendable efforts in combatting drug abuse within the state.
The Special Assistant on Drug Abuse called upon all stakeholders in Kwara State to rally behind the movement against drug abuse, emphasizing a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, community leaders, religious leaders, parents, and teachers.
Aileru Olamilekan Mukail underlined the significance of early identification and interventions as integral components in preventing drug abuse.
Aligning seamlessly with Kwara State’s proactive stance, he detailed strategies for implementing evidence-based prevention methods. These encompass media campaigns and on-site sensitization efforts in schools, communities, motor parks, and other relevant locations.
The interview emphasized how his summit experience aligns with the ongoing initiative of the Kwara state government. The state aims to embark on a comprehensive statewide campaign against drug abuse, placing strong emphasis on prevention as a superior strategy to cure.
Furthermore, Aileru Olamilekan Mukail recommended specific programs and strategies for drug abuse prevention at the state level. These include a focus on sensitization, drug education, and advocacy efforts, aiming to effectively address and prevent drug abuse.
Identifying challenges related to youth involvement in drug abuse, he proposed comprehensive solutions. These solutions encompass addressing socioeconomic factors, strengthening family support systems, expanding mental health services, enhancing education and awareness, and restricting access to drugs.
Recognizing the need for effective communication and engagement with the youth population in Kwara State, Aileru Olamilekan Mukail highlighted strategies such as leveraging social media, engaging influencers, organizing interactive workshops, utilizing participatory art, and establishing continuous dialogue and feedback mechanisms.
In acknowledging the multifaceted nature of drug abuse prevention, he stressed the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Proposing leveraging technology, engaging influencers, organizing events, utilizing participatory art, and empowering youth as agents of change.
The role of technology in the proposed initiatives was also addressed, with Aileru Olamilekan Mukail recommending incorporating technology through various means such as developing interactive online platforms, utilizing mobile apps, leveraging virtual reality for experiential learning, and implementing AI-powered chatbots for real-time support.
Drawing from his past experiences as a trained NDLEA officer, Aileru Olamilekan Mukail expressed confidence in his ability to effectively address social issues related to youth well-being and drug abuse. His past activities, including the sensitization of youths, demonstrate a commitment to successfully tackling these challenges.
