The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has called on parents and guardians to encourage their children to actively participate in sports as a means of preventing drug abuse and other social vices.
He made this appeal during his closing remarks at the 2nd Kwara Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control held today, March 20, 2025, in Ilorin.
Mogaji emphasized that the Kwara State government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, remains committed to youth engagement, empowerment, and development, with sports playing a crucial role in keeping young people positively engaged.
“I urge every parent to support the Kwara State government by encouraging their children to participate in sports. Engaging in sporting activities will help them stay focused, develop discipline, and avoid the temptations of drug abuse and other criminal activities,” Mogaji stated.
He further assured stakeholders that the Sports Commission would continue to implement initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse within the sports sector, stressing the importance of clean sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle for young athletes.
The summit, which brought together government officials, sports administrators, educators, security agencies, and civil society organizations, focused on strategies to curb drug abuse among youths in Kwara State. Experts at the event highlighted the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, community sensitization, and the creation of more opportunities in sports, education, and vocational training to keep young people engaged productively.
Mogaji also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to hosting more grassroots sports programs and talent development initiatives, ensuring that Kwara continues to nurture future champions while promoting a drug-free society.
The event concluded with a call for collective efforts from parents, schools, religious institutions, and community leaders to support the government’s vision of using sports as a tool for youth development and crime prevention.
