Lagos State First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, turned up the heat on substance abuse on Thursday, urging young people to lead the fight against drugs and illicit trafficking.
Their message came during a sensitisation walk at Caleb University, Imota, held to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” drew students and staff, NDLEA officials, government functionaries and other stakeholders.
Also present were Commissioner for Tertiary Education Tolani Sule-Akibu; Abiodun Orekoya, chairman of the Lagos Assembly committee on youth and social development; permanent secretaries and NDLEA officers.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the theme shows the need for collective, innovative, evidence-based responses to changing patterns of drug abuse. She called substance abuse a major threat to young people and society, saying it hurts health, education, productivity and relationships. According to her, tackling the menace requires a shift from stigmatisation to rehabilitation and support for affected individuals.
“Addiction cuts across age, gender, and social status, yet victims are often stigmatized instead of supported. We must embrace compassion, encourage rehabilitation, and create opportunities for recovery,” she said.
She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to the fight through partnerships with the NDLEA, relevant ministries, NGOs, community leaders, market associations and local governments, noting her Lagos Boy Child Initiative and that Caleb is the third tertiary school reached after LASU and UNILAG. She urged students to be campaign champions.
“To students, your choices today shape your tomorrow. Drug abuse may bring temporary excitement but destroys dreams, health, education, and career. I urge you to become campaign ambassadors, discourage substance abuse and support those struggling,” she said.
Mrs. Hamzat warned against experimenting with drugs and appealed for positive values. “Let us break the cycle of drug abuse and build a safer society for all,” she said.
Caleb VC Prof. Olalekan Asikhia pledged a drug-free campus. NDLEA Deputy Commander Ogunluyi Titilope asked students to report dealers and be role models. Dr. Dokun Adedeji of Compassionate Care Recovery warned that 14–15 million Nigerians use drugs, highest among ages 25–39, and that Lagos records a 33% rate. He blamed stigma and poor emotional support, urging stronger family, community backing and purposeful living for recovery.
