…Inaugurates Anti-Drug Club, Unveils Campus Signpost NDLEA, Stakeholders
…Urge Youths to Reject Substance Abuse
By Abiodun Taiwo
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, urging young people to shun substance abuse and embrace purposeful living.
Speaking at Caleb University, Imota, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the First Lady described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting young people and society today.
The awareness campaign and walk against drug abuse, organised by the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State in collaboration with Caleb University and key stakeholders, attracted students, academics, government officials, officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and members of the public.
The event was held in line with the global observance of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, celebrated annually on June 26.
Addressing participants, Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” aptly captured the realities confronting nations across the world.
According to her, while drug abuse has remained a longstanding challenge, emerging trends and the proliferation of new substances have created fresh concerns that require innovative and collaborative solutions.
She stressed that addiction negatively impacts mental and physical health, academic performance, productivity, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
“Drug abuse may offer temporary excitement, but it ultimately destroys dreams, health, education, careers and lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged students to become ambassadors against substance abuse by discouraging drug use among their peers and supporting individuals struggling with addiction.
She disclosed that her office has continued to partner with the NDLEA, relevant ministries, community leaders, market associations, local government authorities and non-governmental organisations to strengthen awareness and prevention programmes across Lagos State.
Highlighting previous interventions, she revealed that more than 3,000 participants joined a similar advocacy campaign at Lagos State University in 2025, leading to the installation of an anti-drug mural and signpost on the campus.
She added that the campaign was later extended to the University of Lagos before arriving at Caleb University, the first private university in Lagos State to host the initiative.
As part of efforts to sustain the campaign, Dr. Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the Caleb University War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club and decorated selected students as WADA Champions.
She also unveiled an anti-drug signpost within the institution to serve as a constant reminder of the dangers of substance abuse.
The First Lady called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug-related activities, stressing that early intervention could save lives.
Her words: “My message is simple and clear: Say NO to drug abuse and YES to life, purpose and a brighter future. Together, we can win this fight.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, expressed appreciation to the Office of the First Lady for choosing the institution as a partner in the anti-drug advocacy campaign.
He described drug abuse as a growing social menace that threatens the future of young people and undermines national development.
Professor Asikhia noted that universities have a responsibility not only to provide academic excellence but also to serve as moral compasses and agents of positive societal transformation.
“The urgent need to confront the scourge of drug abuse transcends political, social and academic boundaries,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
He added that Caleb University remains committed to maintaining a drug-free environment, promoting mental wellness and equipping students with the resilience needed to resist substance abuse.
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and adopt practical measures that would contribute to a safer and healthier society.
Also speaking at the event, the Wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the global drug problem.
She warned that while drugs may appear to offer temporary relief from life’s pressures, they often result in devastating and long-lasting consequences.
Mrs. Hamzat urged students to remain focused on their education, embrace positive values and resist peer pressure and the lure of quick success.
She maintained that parents, schools, religious institutions, communities and governments must work together to raise a generation that is healthy, responsible and purpose-driven.
In a symbolic moment during the programme, students participated in a pledge led by Mrs. Hamzat, committing themselves to rejecting drug abuse and contributing to the creation of a safer society.
Representatives of the NDLEA also used the occasion to reinforce the agency’s commitment to tackling drug abuse through prevention, advocacy, enforcement, rehabilitation and public enlightenment.
The NDLEA representative reminded students that success in life does not require the use of illicit substances, urging them to become ambassadors against drug abuse within their schools, homes and communities.
According to the agency, the battle against substance abuse begins at home and requires the active involvement of parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The agency further stressed that sustained awareness, early intervention and community support remain critical in reducing the prevalence of drug abuse among young people.
Participants at the event were treated to expert presentations, advocacy activities and educational engagements designed to highlight the dangers of substance abuse and the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle.
Many students expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in helping young people make informed life choices.
The event concluded with a renewed call for stronger partnerships among government agencies, educational institutions, families and communities to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths and build a society free from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
