Lagos First Lady Intensifies Campaign Against Drug Abuse in Tertiary Institutions

Lagos First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is intensifying her office's campaign against drug abuse, recently leading an advocacy walk at Caleb University in Imota, Lagos. This event marked the third tertiary institution visited under the initiative and the first private university to participate.

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Drug abuse poses a serious threat to our youth and society at large. It adversely affects mental and physical health, academic performance, productivity, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

The walk, themed 'The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,' aimed to address both longstanding and emerging patterns of drug abuse. Sanwo-Olu stressed that drug abuse poses a significant threat to the youth and society, impacting mental and physical health, academic performance, and overall well-being. She noted that addiction affects all demographics and advocated for compassion and support rather than stigmatization.

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As First Lady, I remain steadfast in my commitment to this fight. Through my Office, we have partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ministries of Education, Health, Justice, and Youth and Social Development, as well as non-governmental organisations, community leaders, market associations, and Local Government Areas (LGAs), to strengthen prevention and awareness efforts.

Sanwo-Olu detailed her office's commitment through partnerships with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), various ministries, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders. These collaborations aim to strengthen prevention and awareness through stakeholder engagements, sensitisation programs, and advocacy walks. Past initiatives include a campaign at Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

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Our initiatives include stakeholder engagements, sensitisation programmes, advocacy walks in partnership with NDLEA and MTN Nigeria, and the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, which engages young boys on making positive life choices.

Urging students to become ambassadors against substance abuse, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that while drug abuse may offer temporary excitement, it ultimately destroys dreams, health, education, careers, and lives. She encouraged them to discourage substance abuse, support those struggling, and join campus clubs promoting a drug-free environment. She commended Caleb University's management and student union for their partnership.

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In 2025, over 3,000 participants joined our advocacy campaign at Lagos State University (LASU), culminating in the installation of an anti-drug signpost and mural. We subsequently extended the campaign to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and today, we are proud to bring it to Caleb University.