Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, alongside Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the deputy governor, on Thursday urged youths to serve as ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. They spoke during a walk to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at Caleb University in Imota, Lagos, under the theme 'The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.'
Walk Against Drug Abuse
The event saw participation from university staff and students, Commissioner for Tertiary Education Tolani-Sule Akibu, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Social Development Abiodun Orekoya, permanent secretaries, and officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The First Lady emphasized that this year's theme highlights both long-standing and emerging drug abuse patterns that demand collaborative, evidence-based action.
She described drug abuse as a threat to youths and society, damaging mental and physical health, academic performance, productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. 'Addiction cuts across age, gender, and social status, yet victims are often stigmatized instead of supported. We must embrace compassion, encourage rehabilitation, and create opportunities for recovery,' she stated.
Commitment to Fighting Drug Abuse
Sanwo-Olu expressed her office's commitment to combating drug abuse in partnership with the NDLEA, ministries of education, health, justice, youth and social development, NGOs, community leaders, market associations, and local government areas. She noted that her office has implemented initiatives and sensitization programs, including the Lagos Boy Child Initiative. Caleb University is the third institution to benefit from her advocacy campaign after Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
'To students, your choices today shape your tomorrow. Drug abuse may bring temporary excitement but destroys dreams, health, education, and career. I urge you to become campaign ambassadors, discourage substance abuse, and support those struggling,' she said.
Deputy Governor's Wife Speaks
In her remarks, Oluremi Hamzat warned students against drug abuse, cautioning that it could destroy their dreams and deprive them of life opportunities. She encouraged them to embrace positive values. 'Let us break the cycle of drug abuse and build a safer society for all,' she urged.
The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, lamented that despite decades of awareness campaigns and policy interventions, substance abuse continues to evolve. He affirmed the university's resolve to foster a drug-free environment, promote mental wellness, and equip students with resilience and knowledge to reject illicit substances.
NDLEA and Expert Insights
Ogunluyi Titilope, Deputy Commander of Drug Demand Reduction at the NDLEA Lagos Command, urged students to join the government in creating awareness, reporting drug dealers and peddlers, and serving as positive role models. Executive Director of Compassionate Care Recovery, Dr. Dokun Adedeji, noted in his lecture that between 14 and 15 million Nigerians use drugs, with ages ranging from 25 to 39 years, and Lagos recording the highest rate at 33%. He attributed recovery difficulties to stigma, discrimination, and lack of emotional and psychological support. He advocated for meaningful living, family, and community support as measures to aid recovery.
