Ahmed, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment, Alhaji Saka Babatunde, stated this at a stakeholder summit and award presentation in Ilorin.
The programme was organised by the Youth Focus Initiative Against Drug Abuse and Violence in Nigeria.
The governor described the event as timely in view of the high incidence of youth unrest and security challenges in the country.
Ahmed said the various empowerment initiatives of the government were borne out of the need to adequately engage the youth who he noted are very susceptible to drug abuse and misuse.
He restated government’s commitment to intensifying its programmes aimed at curtailing drug abuse.
According to him, the state government will continue to work with relevant bodies to combat the menace.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Rasak Atunwa, urged parents, traditional and religious leaders to synergise towards ameliorating the spate of drug abuse in the society.
The speaker was represented by Alahji Mashood Bakare, the Chairman, House Committee on Energy, Works and Transport.
He said efforts were being made to review laws on drug use to dissuade people from misusing drugs.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, commended the state government for its initiatives aimed at engaging the youth and making life meaningful for the people.
The emir was represented by the Magagi Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Woru Soliu Mohammed.
The emir acknowledged the efforts being made by the Kwara Broadcasting Corporation
to raise awareness on the evil of drug abuse and other illicit activities in the community. (NAN)