In a bold step toward securing a drug-free future, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday led a coalition of stakeholders including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State University (LASU), and other key government bodies in a powerful campaign against drug abuse.
The sensitization event, held at the LASU Ojo campus to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, rallied students, educators, policymakers, and health experts under the common goal of eradicating drug-related problems among youths.
Organized by the Office of the First Lady, the campaign featured an awareness walk from LASU’s main gate to the Buba Marwa Auditorium and showcased strategic collaborations between state institutions such as the Ministries of Health and Youth & Social Development, LASU’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) team, and advocacy groups.
Speaking to the gathering, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for a united front against substance abuse, especially among young people.
“We are here today because we believe in a better future for our youths, one where the power of choice, responsibility, and peer support keeps drugs off our campuses,” she said.
She urged students to join the LASU WADA team, help spread the anti-drug message, and inspire their peers to make better life choices. She also tasked LASU Radio and other campus platforms with amplifying these messages beyond the event.
“Under the leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, we remain committed to strengthening this fight through inter-ministerial collaboration and community-based advocacy,” she added.
Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, described drug abuse as a global menace requiring both emotional intelligence and institutional support.
“Addiction often masks untreated mental health issues. Our response must go beyond punishment to healing and prevention,” she noted.
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome remarks, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for choosing LASU as the focal point for the campaign.
“This initiative reinforces our dedication to producing not just excellent scholars but healthy, responsible citizens,” she said. She pledged the university’s full backing for the anti-drug campaign.
NDLEA Lagos State Commander, Abubakar Lima Wali, called for deeper collaboration in public education, community outreach, and rehabilitation services.
“The war against drugs isn’t for NDLEA alone. It belongs to all of us — schools, parents, religious leaders, and civil society,” he said.
Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman of the Lagos House Committee on Youth and Social Development, also assured the audience of legislative support in backing policies that target prevention, treatment, and reintegration.
Chairperson of the LASU WADA Committee, Mrs. Olubukonla Nwonah, applauded the First Lady’s leadership and the contributions of corporate sponsors and volunteers.
The event climaxed with the unveiling of a symbolic anti-drug signpost and mural at LASU’s Student Arcade.
The First Lady also received a recognition plaque from the Vice Chancellor in appreciation of her commitment to youth advocacy and public health.
