LAGOS FIRST LADY LEADS ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN AT CALEB UNIVERSITY
… Urges Youths To Choose Life Over Substance Abuse
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has renewed her call for intensified efforts to combat drug abuse among young people, urging students to reject substance abuse and embrace a future built on purpose, discipline, and positive choices.
Speaking at an Awareness Campaign and Walk Against Drug Abuse organised by her Office to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Caleb University, Imota, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described drug abuse as a growing threat to the health, well-being, productivity, and future of young people.
She noted that this year's theme, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," highlights the need for collaborative and evidence-based responses to emerging patterns of substance abuse.
The First Lady emphasised that addiction cuts across age, gender, and social status, stressing that victims should be supported rather than stigmatised.
She disclosed that her Office has sustained partnerships with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), relevant Ministries, community leaders, NGOs, market associations, and local government authorities to strengthen prevention and awareness campaigns across Lagos State.
Highlighting some of the interventions undertaken by her Office, Dr. Sanwo-Olu recalled the successful anti-drug advocacy campaigns held at Lagos State University and the University of Lagos in 2025, which attracted thousands of participants.
She announced the inauguration of the Caleb University War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club, the decoration of WADA Champions, and the unveiling of an anti-drug signage on campus to ensure sustained advocacy among students.
She urged students to become ambassadors against drug abuse, warning that while substance abuse may appear attractive in the short term, it ultimately destroys dreams, careers, health, and lives.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, she noted that efforts through the Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee and other agencies would continue to focus on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and public education.
The Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, in her Goodwill Message, commended the theme of the event, saying that it is a reminder that while drug abuse remains a serious challenge, a secure and brighter future for young people can be guaranteed with joint and collective efforts from all relevant stakeholders.
She encouraged youths to stay focused on their education, embrace positive values and reject every form of substance abuse. “Don’t be desperate for greener pastures. Let us all work together, parents, institutions, faith leaders and government to build a generation that is healthy, responsible and purpose-driven.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, commended the Office of the First Lady for partnering with the institution to host the programme.
He described the collaboration as a demonstration of the collective determination of stakeholders to address one of the most pressing social challenges confronting society today.
Professor Asikhia stressed that educational institutions have a responsibility to serve not only as centres of academic excellence but also as platforms for character development and social transformation.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed Caleb University's commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, promoting mental wellness, and equipping students with the knowledge and resilience required to resist substance abuse.
Delivering an enlightening presentation on the consequences of substance abuse, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Titilope Ogunluyi warned that drug abuse among young people has become a major public health and social concern.
According to her, factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, poor parental supervision, unemployment, family history of substance use, emotional trauma, and mental health challenges contribute significantly to drug abuse among youths.
The NDLEA official also reminded students of the legal consequences associated with the possession and use of illicit substances, noting that Nigerian laws prescribe severe penalties for offenders.
She encouraged young people to participate actively in anti-drug campaigns, join school-based WADA clubs, support friends seeking help, and serve as role models in promoting drug-free lifestyles.
Participants at the event were also inspired by the moving testimony of addiction recovery advocate, author, and rehabilitation practitioner, David Folaranmi, whose presentation chronicled his personal journey from substance dependence to recovery and advocacy.
He shared how years of addiction exposed him to emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual challenges before he eventually found healing through treatment, support, faith, and determination.
Drawing from his experiences, Folahanmi emphasised that behind every statistic on drug abuse is a real human story involving individuals, families, and communities.
Calling for innovative and compassionate responses to the drug problem, he advocated increased investment in prevention through education, recovery-oriented rehabilitation, family engagement, faith-based support systems, and the inclusion of persons with lived experience in intervention programmes.
The event featured an awareness walk, expert presentations, advocacy activities, and the inauguration of the Caleb University WADA Club, all aimed at strengthening the campaign against drug abuse and promoting a healthier, safer, and more productive society.
More photos below.
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