The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has intensified the campaign against drug abuse among young people, calling on students to make deliberate choices that promote healthy living, personal growth and a drug-free future.
She made the appeal during an awareness campaign and walk against drug abuse held at Caleb University, Imota, to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Addressing students and stakeholders, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described substance abuse as a major threat to the future of young people, warning that addiction continues to undermine education, productivity, mental health and overall wellbeing.
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” she stressed the need for stronger partnerships and innovative solutions to tackle emerging substance abuse trends.
The First Lady noted that her office has continued to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), government agencies, community leaders, non-governmental organisations and local authorities to strengthen drug prevention campaigns across Lagos.
She also highlighted previous anti-drug advocacy programmes held at the Lagos State University and University of Lagos in 2025, describing them as part of ongoing efforts to educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse.
As part of the event, Dr. Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the Caleb University War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club, decorated student WADA champions and unveiled an anti-drug awareness signpost on campus to sustain advocacy efforts.
She urged students to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign, warning that substance abuse often destroys dreams, careers and lives despite its seemingly attractive appeal.
The Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, also encouraged students to remain focused on their education and resist negative influences.
She emphasised that parents, schools, religious institutions and government must work together to raise a generation of responsible and purpose-driven young people.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, commended the Office of the First Lady for partnering with the institution on the initiative.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free campus and promoting student wellbeing through education, mentorship and support systems.
Delivering a keynote presentation, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Titilope Ogunluyi, identified peer pressure, unemployment, poor parental supervision, emotional trauma and mental health challenges as some of the factors driving drug abuse among young people.
She also reminded students of the legal consequences associated with drug-related offences and encouraged them to actively support anti-drug campaigns and school-based advocacy clubs.
Participants were further inspired by addiction recovery advocate and author, David Folaranmi, who shared his personal journey from substance dependence to recovery.
He called for greater investment in prevention, rehabilitation and support programmes, stressing that every addiction story affects families, communities and society at large.
The event featured an awareness walk, expert presentations, advocacy activities and student engagement sessions aimed at strengthening efforts to curb drug abuse among young people.
