SUDACare Nigeria, through its Lagos Chapter, has engaged about 150 community leaders in Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area of Alimosho, Lagos, in a sensitisation programme aimed at strengthening community responses to substance use disorders.
The initiative will also see 20 community leaders selected and trained as community responders and focal persons to help identify people affected by substance use, provide initial support and link them to appropriate professional care. The programme was held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The engagement saw community leaders enlightened on the growing concerns surrounding substance use, particularly among young people, and the role local structures can play in prevention, early identification and access to treatment.
The session was facilitated by Precious Eberechukwu Ndukwu, Lagos Team Lead of SUDACare Nigeria, and Chivir Ene, and its Program Manager.
Community leaders raise concerns over substance use
Speaking at the programme, Hon. Rabiu Adeniran Kazeem, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Egbe-Idimu LCDA, and Welfare Officer of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, described drug abuse among young people as an emerging epidemic requiring urgent attention.
Kazeem expressed concern over reports of children as young as seven, nine and 13 experimenting with hard drugs and substances commonly referred to as “colos”.
He also warned that substance misuse was not limited to illicit drugs, noting that some adults abused prescription medicines by taking incorrect doses, using them at inappropriate intervals or purchasing them without medical prescriptions.
He urged community leaders to pay closer attention to changes in behaviour, social withdrawal and suspicious gatherings among young people, stressing the importance of recognising warning signs and responding appropriately.
“You don’t give what you don’t have,” he said, underscoring the need for community leaders to acquire the knowledge and skills required to educate and guide others.
Kazeem said the awareness campaign would be extended across the 150 Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the area, with participating leaders expected to share the information during their respective community meetings.
He encouraged the leaders to make substance use awareness a continuing part of community engagement rather than treating it as a one-off activity.
SUDACare plans community responder training
A key component of the initiative is the planned identification and training of 20 community leaders who will serve as community responders and focal persons on substance use disorders.
The proposed training is expected to equip them with the knowledge to recognise possible signs of substance-related problems, offer appropriate initial guidance and connect affected individuals and their families with professional services.
The approach recognises that community leaders, religious figures and other trusted local actors are often among the first people approached when families are confronted with substance use concerns.
By strengthening their capacity to respond, SUDACare hopes to improve early identification and encourage people affected by substance use disorders to seek appropriate help.
The initiative also seeks to promote a more informed and supportive community response, reducing the stigma and misconceptions that can prevent individuals and families from seeking assistance.
Substance use disorders require care, not condemnation
SUDACare Nigeria advocates an approach that recognises substance use disorders as medical and psychological health conditions rather than moral failures.
This distinction is important because people experiencing substance-related problems may face rejection, blame and discrimination, making it more difficult for them to seek help or remain engaged in treatment.
The organisation promotes education, early identification, referrals, professional treatment and recovery support. It also recognises the role of families and caregivers, who often need guidance and support when helping loved ones affected by substance use disorders.
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Through its community-based approach, SUDACare seeks to work with existing local structures, including community development associations and faith-based networks, rather than establish parallel systems.
The involvement of community leaders is therefore intended to strengthen the link between residents and appropriate health and support services.
Building a wider community response
Kazeem’s call for the campaign to reach all 150 CDAs in Egbe-Idimu reflects the importance of taking substance use awareness beyond formal sensitisation meetings.
Community leaders can help circulate accurate information, challenge harmful misconceptions and encourage residents to seek professional assistance when necessary.
However, awareness and observation alone are not substitutes for medical assessment and treatment. Community responders will need to understand their roles, respect confidentiality and refer people to qualified professionals rather than attempt to diagnose or treat substance use disorders themselves.
SUDACare Nigeria was founded by Dr Lauretta Ekanem, PhD, MPH, and operates in five states. Its work focuses on education and awareness, training for faith leaders, referrals and linkages to care, family and caregiver support, policy engagement and community outreach.
The organisation describes its approach as faith-sensitive and community-driven, bringing together local leadership and professional support to address substance use concerns.
The Egbe-Idimu engagement represents an effort to build that response from the community level. With about 150 leaders sensitised and plans to train 20 community responders, the next challenge will be translating the awareness generated at the meeting into sustained action across the area.
For the initiative to achieve its intended impact, the planned training, referral pathways and engagement with the CDAs will be important in ensuring that residents affected by substance use disorders can access informed, timely and appropriate support.