The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has intensified advocacy against substance abuse among youths, urging students to embrace discipline, purpose, and healthy life choices.
Eko Hot News reports that she made the call during an Awareness Campaign and Walk Against Drug Abuse held at Caleb University, Imota, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The First Lady described drug abuse as a major threat to the health, productivity, and future of young people across society.
She encouraged students to reject substance abuse and become advocates for a drug-free environment in their communities.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that the campaign theme highlights the need for innovative and collaborative approaches to address evolving drug challenges.
She said addiction affects people across all social and economic backgrounds and should be addressed with compassion rather than stigma.
The First Lady highlighted ongoing partnerships between her office and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ministries, NGOs, and community groups.
She said these collaborations are aimed at strengthening awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes across Lagos State.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu recalled previous anti-drug campaigns held at Lagos State University and the University of Lagos in 2025.
She said the initiatives recorded strong participation and helped raise awareness among thousands of students.
At the event, she inaugurated the Caleb University War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club and decorated WADA champions.
She also unveiled anti-drug awareness signage designed to reinforce continuous advocacy on campus.
The First Lady urged students to make responsible decisions, warning that substance abuse can destroy future opportunities and personal development.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sustained drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
The Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, in her goodwill message, described drug abuse as a critical challenge requiring collective action.
She called on parents, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies to work together in guiding young people toward positive lifestyles.
Mrs. Hamzat advised youths to focus on education and avoid pressure that could lead to substance misuse.
The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, commended the First Lady for the partnership initiative.
He said the programme reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and character development.
Professor Asikhia emphasized the importance of equipping students with values and resilience against social vices.
He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to maintaining a drug-free environment and promoting student well-being.
NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command representative, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Titilope Ogunluyi, educated students on the dangers of drug abuse.
She highlighted factors such as peer pressure, emotional trauma, unemployment, and poor supervision as key drivers of substance use.
She also warned students about legal consequences associated with drug possession and abuse under Nigerian law.
Ogunluyi encouraged students to participate in school-based advocacy groups and support peers seeking recovery.
A recovery advocate, David Folaranmi, shared his personal experience with addiction and recovery.
He described how substance abuse affected his life before he found support and rehabilitation.
Folaranmi urged stakeholders to adopt compassionate and educational approaches to drug prevention.
He emphasized the importance of family support, mental health care, and community-based interventions.
He concluded that every recovery story represents hope for individuals and society at large.
