Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, intensified advocacy against substance abuse, urging young people to lead efforts against drug use and illicit trafficking.
They made the call during a sensitisation walk at Caleb University, Imota, to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
The event drew students, staff, officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and government stakeholders, including the Lagos Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule-Akibu; House Committee on Youth and Social Development Chairman, Abiodun Orekoya; permanent secretaries, and NDLEA officers.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said drug abuse remains a growing threat to health, education and productivity, warning that evolving patterns require coordinated, evidence-based responses. She called for a shift from stigma to rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Addiction cuts across age, gender, and status. Victims need compassion, not stigma. We must support recovery and create pathways for reintegration,” she said.
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She reaffirmed collaboration with NDLEA, ministries, civil society and community groups, noting Caleb University as the third institution in the state’s anti-drug campaign after LASU and UNILAG.
Mrs. Hamzat urged students to avoid experimentation with drugs, warning it could destroy their future. She called for discipline and positive values.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Olalekan Asikhia said despite sustained awareness, drug abuse is rising and pledged a drug-free campus.
NDLEA’s Ogunluyi Titilope urged students to report drug activities and support awareness efforts.
Dr. Dokun Adedeji of Compassionate Care Recovery estimated 14–15 million drug users in Nigeria, with highest prevalence among ages 25–39, and said Lagos accounts for about 33 percent. He cited stigma and weak support systems as barriers to recovery.