Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Leads Anti-Drug Campaign at LASU Amid Rising Youth Addiction

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed her commitment to curbing drug abuse, particularly among young people, during a sensitisation event held at Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo.

The event, organised in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), marked the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26. The campaign featured a symbolic march, awareness lectures, and dramatic performances aimed at discouraging substance abuse.

In her remarks, Dr. Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of early prevention, vowing to partner with key stakeholders to address the rising rate of drug addiction. She described the substance abuse statistics in Lagos as “disturbing” and urged the public to stop stigmatising victims.

“Drug addiction is a silent killer and a destroyer of potential. We must speak out, especially women at the grassroots, and support victims instead of pushing them away,” she said.

The Lagos NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Wali, echoed similar concerns, stating that drug abuse poses a severe risk to public health, education, and national security. He noted that youths remain highly vulnerable due to peer pressure and called for intensified awareness and rehabilitation initiatives.

In her welcome address, LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, revealed that more than 14.3 million Nigerian youths aged 15 to 24 are involved in substance abuse. She described the figure as alarming and urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents, and educators to join the fight against the crisis.

She emphasized that eliminating drug abuse demands a united front across sectors and communities, calling it a collective responsibility critical to securing the nation’s future.