The Almubarak Foundation (ALM) has organised a successful event in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event which drew a diverse audience of stakeholders, health professionals, students, and community leaders, united by a shared goal of eradicating drug abuse and fostering healthier futures took place yesterday, July 3, 2025, at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Small Hall in Offa, Kwara State.
With the theme “Healthy Lives, Healthy Futures,” the event featured impactful lectures and discussions aimed at equipping the community with knowledge and strategies to combat drug abuse and support affected individuals.
The Founder of ALM Foundation, Abdullahi Badmus Jabulani called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and civil society organizations, to sustain the momentum by intensifying awareness campaigns and support systems to eradicate drug abuse from Offa and beyond.
Delivering a powerful presentation on “The Impact of Drug Abuse on Mental Health,” Dr. Abdulsalam Olabisi, Chief Medical Director of Offa General Hospital, highlighted the devastating psychological and neurological consequences of substance abuse, calling for urgent community-based interventions to address the growing mental health crisis linked to drugs.
The representative of the Area Commander, NDLEA Offa, captivated the audience with a lecture on “Strategies for Preventing Substance Abuse Among Youth,” stressing the importance of early education, parental guidance, and active community policing to curb drug use before it takes root among young people.
Mr. Azeez Oladipo Surajudeen, Dean of Student Affairs at the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, in his session on “The Role of Community Support in Overcoming Addiction,” underscored the need for collective responsibility, family involvement, and accessible rehabilitation services to aid recovery and reintegration into society.
The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including: Engr. Lawal Nurudeen Akere, Chairman of Offa Community Comrade; Mr. Sanni Jubril Olaide, Former President, Offa Students Union National Headquarters (OSU NHQs) 2016; a representative of the Divisional Officer for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Adetiba; Comrade Shittu Sherif, Immediate Past President, OSU FEDPOFA Chapter; Comrade Mustapha Abdulbasit Taiye, National President of Offa Students Union, along with members of his executive council; Representatives from the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Students and school management teams from various institutions in Offa also graced the occasion, participating actively in the discussions and pledging to take the anti-drug abuse message back to their schools and communities.
In a note of appreciation signed by ALM Foundation’s Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Quadri Hakepe, the Foundation conveyed gratitude to all speakers, invited guests, school representatives, and attendees for their invaluable contributions to the success of the program.
“May Allah reward your efforts abundantly (Jazakumullahu khairan). The ALM Foundation reiterates its unwavering commitment to building a drug-free society where healthy lives and bright futures are guaranteed for all,” the statement read.
