The Global President of the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation and NSCDC Peace Ambassador, Asiwaju Dapo Wahab, has warned that drug abuse is a silent but dangerous threat destroying health, fuelling violence, and undermining peace and stability in Nigerian communities.
Speaking as Guest Speaker at the International Peace Day 2025 celebration organized by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, Wahab said peace cannot thrive in an unhealthy environment.
He explained that the misuse of substances such as tramadol, cannabis, codeine, and crystal meth has left damaging effects on individuals and society.
“Drug abuse destroys health and fuels violence, thereby threatening peace and stability in our communities. It damages vital organs, leads to aggression, depression, and even suicide, while also fuelling robbery, cult clashes, and terrorism,” Wahab said.
He added that the 2025 theme of the United Nations, “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, is a reminder that Nigeria must urgently confront the menace of drugs before it escalates further. “Peace is not built by speeches alone; it is built by action. And action delayed is peace denied,” he stressed.
Wahab noted that in some cases in Ogun State, commercial drivers under the influence of drugs have caused fatal road accidents that sparked community unrest.
“Each accident not only destroys lives but also stirs anger, protests, and instability. A healthy citizenry guarantees a stable and productive society,” he warned.
The Peace Ambassador also linked drug abuse to the activities of cult groups, armed bandits, and insurgents, saying many non-state actors rely on drugs to embolden their members before carrying out violent operations.
“Cultists use drugs to instill recklessness, armed robbers depend on them to suppress fear, while insurgents drug recruits before sending them on suicide missions,” Wahab explained.
He urged state actors, including government institutions, security agencies, and policymakers, to step up the fight against the drug scourge through policy intervention, law enforcement, and social investment.
“Government must strengthen policies that restrict access to illicit drugs, ensure strict border control, and regulate pharmaceutical distribution. Security agencies must dismantle supply chains, while the judiciary must ensure swift prosecution of traffickers,” he said.
Commending the NSCDC Ogun State Command, Wahab praised the leadership of Commandant Remi Omolade Ekundayo for her role in promoting peace and community harmony.
“Her visionary leadership has continued to strengthen the credibility of the Corps as a reliable partner in nation-building,” he remarked.
Wahab closed his address with a call to collective responsibility, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to join hands in tackling drug abuse.
“Peace is not a gift we wait for; it is a seed we must plant daily. To plant peace, we must uproot the weeds of drug abuse,” he declared.
