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The Lagos State Ministry of Health launched a major awareness campaign at the Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the campaign was led by the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services and the Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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With the global theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All!”, the event brought together government officials, youth, civil society members, and key health stakeholders.
Activities included a placard walk through the secretariat and the distribution of educational materials on drug abuse to inform and engage the public.
Pharm. (Mrs.) Olawale Poluyi, Director of Pharmaceutical Services and LSIDACC Chairperson, stressed that drug addiction is a serious public health issue that requires compassion and evidence-based approaches—not punishment or stigma.
“Today is not just about awareness. It’s a day of renewed commitment. Drug addiction is not necessarily a moral failure; it is a medical condition. And it must be treated as such,” Poluyi declared.
The Director-General shared concerning global and local statistics, noting that over 296 million people worldwide were reported to have used drugs in 2024.
In Nigeria, 14.4% of the population between the ages of 15 and 64 were reported to have used psychoactive substances, amounting to approximately 14.3 million individuals. Many of these individuals are struggling with substance use disorders,
According to her, “In Lagos State alone, a 2024 study conducted by the NDLEA and Federal Ministry of Education found that 13.6% of secondary school students had experimented with drugs, with 6.9% identified as current users”. Poluyi noted that these figures represent not just statistics, but shattered lives and weakened communities.
The Director explained that drug abuse is caused by various factors such as emotional trauma, peer pressure, boredom, and curiosity.
She encouraged stakeholders to promote healthier options like counselling, vocational training, religious activities, and sports. “People turn to drugs for many reasons, but we must create better alternatives—safe spaces where they can heal, learn, and grow,” she said.
Pharm. Poluyi also stressed the vital role of pharmacists and other health workers in fighting drug abuse. She mentioned key responsibilities such as monitoring prescriptions, educating the public, providing early support, and ensuring safe medication disposal.
Other officials at the event included Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health; Mrs. Wuraola Makinde, Director of LASAMBUS; Dr. Folashade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition; and representatives from the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s Public Enlightenment Department.
Attendees agreed on the need for joint efforts across sectors and praised the Lagos State Government for focusing on prevention and youth involvement in its anti-drug efforts.
In her closing remarks, Pharm. Poluyi urged healthcare providers, parents, teachers, and community leaders to work together on raising awareness, preventing drug use, and supporting recovery as the long-term solution.
“Let us break the chains of stigma, silence, and suffering. Together, we can build a future where treatment is accessible, recovery is celebrated, and no one is left behind,” she affirmed.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations in 1987, is observed annually on June 26th to strengthen global action and cooperation toward a drug-free world.
