The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger efforts to prevent drug abuse among young people during an anti-drug awareness campaign held at Caleb University, Imota. The event was organised to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Activities included a campus awareness walk, advocacy sessions, and the inauguration of a student-led anti-drug club.
Speaking at the event, Dr Sanwo-Olu described substance abuse as a growing public health and social challenge, urging students to make positive decisions that would safeguard their future. “Drug abuse is destroying health, productivity and life chances of young people,” she said, charging the students to “choose life, choose discipline, choose purpose.”
She also stressed that people battling addiction deserve support rather than discrimination.
“Addiction cuts across age, gender and background. Victims need support, not condemnation,” she said.
According to the First Lady, her office has strengthened partnerships with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, and local authorities to expand anti-drug awareness campaigns across Lagos State.
She noted that similar campaigns carried out at Lagos State University and the University of Lagos in 2025 reached thousands of students. As part of the event, Dr Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the Caleb University War Against Drug Abuse Club and unveiled advocacy materials aimed at promoting drug-free lifestyles on campus.
“We are building a network of young ambassadors who will champion a drug-free society,” she said. Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, emphasised the need for collective action in tackling substance abuse.
“We must work together parents, schools, faith leaders and government to raise responsible and focused young people,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free learning environment and supporting student welfare. “Institutions must shape character as well as knowledge,” he said.
Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Titilope Ogunluyi, identified peer pressure, trauma, unemployment, and poor supervision as some of the major factors driving drug abuse among young people. She also warned students about the legal consequences of drug-related offences.
An addiction recovery advocate, David Folaranmi, shared his personal experience with substance dependence and highlighted the emotional and social impact of addiction. “Behind every statistic is a human story,” he said, while calling for greater investment in prevention, rehabilitation, and community support programmes. The event concluded with a campus awareness walk and the official launch of student-led anti-drug advocacy structures aimed at sustaining the campaign within the university community.
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