The Global President of the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, Asiwaju Dapo Wahab, has called on government agencies, community leaders, schools, and faith-based organisations to unite in the fight against drug abuse, warning that the menace remains a serious threat to the future of young people in Ogun State.
Speaking at the State Drug Control Committee stakeholders’ engagement organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, Wahab said the theme of the event, “United for a Drug-Free Future: Building Stronger Communities in Ogun State”, is more than a slogan but a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding communities.
He reviewed the Foundation’s past collaborations, noting that grassroots sensitisation programmes, partnerships with traditional rulers, and youth-focused initiatives have yielded results, including a 30 per cent increase in awareness about the dangers of drug abuse in some communities.
He, however, stressed that “community involvement is not optional” in sustaining the progress made.
Wahab expressed concern that while urban centres have benefited from awareness campaigns, rural communities still lack access to basic prevention information, which weakens the overall fight against substance abuse.
He identified substances such as tramadol, codeine, “Loud” and “Colorado” as common among young users, linking the trend to petty crimes, school dropouts and insecurity.
He proposed the full activation of the Ogun State Drug Control Committee as a central hub for coordinated action, provision of support systems for affected individuals, and the use of more than 50 community volunteer groups to take prevention messages to every ward and school.
Highlighting strategies that have worked, Wahab cited “Mothers Watch Groups” in Odeda, Abeokuta South, and Abeokuta North, youth impact programmes, door-to-door campaigns in local languages, and community-led drug watch committees.
He also called for partnership with NDLEA to launch a statewide Drug-Free Schools Challenge, combining the agency’s technical expertise with the Foundation’s grassroots reach to deliver sustained impact.
“Drug abuse is not just a health issue. it is a development issue, a safety issue, and a future issue. If we are to protect our youths and secure our tomorrow, we must stand together,” Wahab said.
The event, held on August 13, 2025, had in attendance the State Commander of NDLEA, CN Tijjani Rabe, as well as stakeholders from various sectors committed to the state’s anti-drug campaign.
