LAGOS FIRST LADY, NDLEA, OTHERS LEAD ANTI-DRUG ABUSE CAMPAIGN AT LASU

The campaign against drug abuse and illicit substance use received a significant boost as the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu led a powerful advocacy drive at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus, to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The sensitisation campaign, organised by the Office of the First Lady, brought together critical stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the LASU War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) team, the Lagos State Ministries of Health and Youth and Social Development, and other advocacy groups.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu was joined by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and other key figures for an awareness walk from the university’s main gate to the Buba Marwa Auditorium, symbolising the collective resolve to eradicate drug abuse from campuses and communities.

Addressing the gathering, the First Lady reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the anti-drug cause, noting that the initiative is part of broader efforts by her office to tackle the rising menace of substance abuse, particularly among youths and students in higher institutions.

“To the students of LASU, I invite you to join the LASU WADA Group. Help us spread this message, protect your peers, and become the voice that inspires a shift in mindset,” she said, urging the youth to take ownership of the movement and become proactive ambassadors of change.

She also called on LASU Radio and other campus media platforms to amplify anti-drug messages and extend the conversation beyond the confines of the event. “Under the leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, we remain committed to strengthening this fight through the Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee and other relevant MDAs,” she added.

Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, described drug abuse as a “global menace” that demands a united and holistic response. She stressed the importance of early intervention, increased mental health support, and the need to eliminate the stigma faced by individuals battling addiction.

“Addiction is often a symptom of deeper mental health issues that go undiagnosed for too long. We must stop stigmatising and start supporting,” she stated.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, commended the First Lady and stakeholders for their efforts.

He assured the audience that the State Assembly is committed to enacting policies and laws that will support ongoing efforts to drastically reduce drug abuse in Lagos.

In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for choosing LASU as the host institution for the campaign, describing it as a great honour. She pledged the University’s support in sustaining the campaign through active student engagement, advocacy, and awareness initiatives.

“At LASU, we are deeply committed to not only academic excellence but also the holistic well-being of our students. Events like this reinforce our resolve to create a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment where young people can thrive and fulfil their potential,” she said.

The Commander of NDLEA in Lagos State, Commander Abubakar Lima Wali, emphasised that the war against drug abuse is everyone’s fight and that with unity and informed choices, victory is attainable.

He urged stakeholders to join hands with the agency by intensifying grassroots advocacy, supporting rehabilitation programmes, and promoting preventive education across schools, communities, and religious institutions.

He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to work with LASU, the Office of the First Lady, and other stakeholders to sustain and expand efforts to curb both the supply and demand of illicit drugs.

Chairman of the WADA Committee, Mrs. Olubukonla Nwonah, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady for her passionate leadership and commended the LASU management for their hospitality and involvement.

She also acknowledged the role of corporate sponsors, partners, volunteers, and stakeholders in ensuring the success of the event.

As part of the campaign activities, a strategic anti-drug signpost was unveiled on the LASU campus, and a symbolic wall painting at the Students Arcade was commissioned by the First Lady, to visually reinforce the message.

In acknowledgement of the efforts of Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu in championing the end drug abuse campaign, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, on behalf of the university, presented a recognition plaque to the First Lady, particularly for choice of LASU as the venue for the campaign.

The Vice Chancellor of LASU, some members of the academics and students were decorated as WADA Ambassadors, with the charge of taking the message of drug-free living beyond the university walls.