The wife of Lagos State governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the vice chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday intensified an awareness campaign to combat drug abuse in Lagos State on Thursday.
In her address during the flagging off of an awareness campaign at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Campus, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the governor’s wife emphasised the importance of awareness campaigns as a critical tool in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Themed “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” featured a sensitisation walk across the LASU campus, engaging students, faculty, and key stakeholders.
Participants included representatives from the Lagos State Ministries of Youth and Social Development, Health, Tertiary Education, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu described substance abuse as a “silent killer and destiny destroyer,” stressing the need for early intervention and community involvement.
She urged young people to seek help without fear of stigma and called on women, parents, and community leaders to speak out and support efforts at the grassroots level.
“The walk, drama presentations, and interactive sessions were not only symbolic but strategic in enlightening the student community about the dangers of drug abuse,” the First Lady said. “This campaign is a call to action for all of us to invest in prevention and show compassion to those struggling with addiction.”
Also speaking at the event, Lagos Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Abubakar Wali, warned of the growing threat drug abuse poses to mental health and national security.
He reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to intensify efforts, particularly in curbing substance use among youths, who are often vulnerable to peer pressure and societal influences.
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, welcomed the initiative and highlighted alarming statistics, noting that over 14.3 million young Nigerians aged 15 to 20 have reportedly engaged in drug use.
She called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and educational institutions to join hands in addressing the epidemic, emphasizing that the fight against drug abuse is a shared responsibility.
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