Korede Abdullah 
Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and other participants
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State First Lady Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Thursday urges young people to take the lead in the fight against drug abuse, warning that substance abuse continues to threaten the health, education, productivity and future of millions of Nigerian youths.
Speaking on Thursday during a walk organised at Caleb University, Imota, to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Sanwo-Olu says tackling the global drug abuse crisis requires collective action, compassion and evidence-based interventions.
She describes addiction as a challenge that affects people across all age groups, genders and social classes, stressing that victims often face stigma rather than support.
“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 says.
The First Lady reiterates her office’s commitment to working with government agencies, educational institutions and other stakeholders to reduce drug abuse across Lagos State.
According to her, the Lagos State Government has intensified awareness and sensitisation campaigns through initiatives such as the Lagos Boy Child Initiative. She notes that Caleb University becomes the third tertiary institution to benefit from the anti-drug campaign after Lagos State University and the University of Lagos.
Addressing students directly, Sanwo-Olu warns that drug abuse can permanently damage their future prospects.
“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 says.
Also speaking at the event, Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, calls on students to reject drug use and embrace values that promote personal growth and societal development.
“Let us break the cycle of drug abuse and build a safer society for all,” she says.
Caleb University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, says substance abuse remains a growing concern despite years of policy interventions and public awareness campaigns.
He stresses the institution’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free campus while promoting mental health and wellness among students.
Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also urge students to participate actively in anti-drug campaigns and report suspected drug dealers to authorities.
Deputy Commander of Drug Demand Reduction at the NDLEA Lagos Command, Ogunluyi Titilope, says young people have a critical role to play in preventing substance abuse within their communities.
Delivering a keynote lecture, Executive Director of Compassionate Care Recovery, Dr Dokun Adedeji, reveals that between 14 million and 15 million Nigerians currently use drugs, with Lagos recording the country’s highest prevalence rate at 33 per cent.
Adedeji attributes the difficulties many recovering users face to stigma, discrimination and inadequate emotional support systems. He advocates stronger family support, meaningful social engagement and community participation as key factors in successful rehabilitation.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government and stakeholders to raise awareness about drug abuse and encourage prevention, treatment and recovery among young Nigerians.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 