Lagos First Lady and Deputy Governor’s Wife Lead Youth Walk to Combat Drug Abuse

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, and Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Deputy Governor, led an awareness walk at Caleb University to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” brought together students, NDLEA officials, and state education and assembly representatives to highlight the growing threat of substance abuse. Addressing the crowd, Dr. Sanwo-Olu warned that addiction undermines health, education, and social relationships. She advocated a shift from stigma to rehabilitation, calling for compassion and support for those affected. She also reaffirmed her office’s commitment to partnerships with the NDLEA and community groups through initiatives like the Lagos Boy Child Initiative. Mrs. Hamzat urged youths to avoid experimenting with drugs and embrace positive values to safeguard their future. NDLEA officials and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, echoed calls for a drug-free campus, mental wellness support, and student-led vigilance against illicit trafficking. In a lecture, Dr. Dokun Adedeji of Compassionate Care Recovery revealed that 14–15 million Nigerians use drugs, with Lagos recording the highest rate at 33%. He highlighted stigma and lack of psychological support as barriers to recovery and stressed the need for strong family and community networks.

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