- Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerian youths to take a stand against drug abuse
- Dr. Sanwo-Olu led the march across the LASU campus clad in a black T-shirt and cap
- She encouraged students not to fear stigma
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerian youths to take a stand against drug abuse, describing the growing crisis as a “silent killer and destiny destroyer.”
Eko Hot Blog reports that she made the call during a sensitization campaign held at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Campus, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
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Themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the event featured an awareness walk, drama presentations, and interactive sessions aimed at educating students and promoting early intervention strategies.
It brought together representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), LASU management, and officials from several state ministries including Health, Youth and Social Development, Tertiary Education, and Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, who led the march across the LASU campus clad in a black T-shirt and cap, emphasized the importance of prevention and community-based advocacy in tackling drug addiction.
“The walk, drama presentations, and interactive sessions were not only symbolic but strategic in educating the student community on the dangers of drug abuse,” she said. “This campaign is a call to action for all of us to invest in prevention and show compassion to those battling addiction.”
She encouraged students not to fear stigma when seeking help and called on parents, educators, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to break the silence surrounding drug-related issues.
The Lagos State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Abubakar Wali, described drug abuse as a growing national threat, warning that young people remain the most vulnerable group due to peer pressure and social influences. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to heightened enforcement and education campaigns.
Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, applauded the initiative and sounded the alarm over disturbing trends, citing data that over 14.3 million Nigerian youths aged 15 to 20 have experimented with drugs.
“This is a collective responsibility, and we must all play our part in safeguarding the future of our youth,” she said.
The event concluded with a special award presented to Dr. Sanwo-Olu in recognition of her continuous advocacy against substance abuse, ahead of the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26.
Participants in the march held placards with bold messages, including: “You Can Quit If You Seek Help,” “Say No to Drug Abuse,” and “Drug Trafficking is Illegal and Punishable Under the Law.”
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