Worried by the growing menace of drug abuse among young Nigerians, traditional rulers, community leaders, educators and government officials in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have joined forces to tackle the problem through advocacy and education.
EpeInsights learnt that the commitment was renewed during an Anti-Drug Abuse Sensitisation Programme held at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, in Epe Division, Lagos State.
The event, organised by Equitable Planning Consult in partnership with Dr. Olayinka Agunloye, an Associate Professor at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), carried the theme: “Towards a Drug-Free Society: Safeguarding the Youths for a Better Future.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Lanuwa, Deputy Controller of the NDLEA Lagos Command, decried the alarming rate of drug use among youths, warning that substance abuse has far-reaching consequences on families, education and community stability.
He urged the students in attendance to become ambassadors of a drug-free society and to seek help when faced with challenges instead of resorting to drugs.
“Every young person here can make a difference,” he said. “Say no to drugs, talk to someone you trust, and spread the message of discipline and self-control.
In his royal remarks, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa thanked the organisers for choosing Igbooye Kingdom as the host community and stressed the need for sustained awareness and education.
“Our future depends on the soundness of our youth,” the monarch declared.
“We must all say no to drugs and protect our community from this silent destroyer.”
Supporting the royal call, the Olisa of Igbooye, Chief AbdulBariu AbdulQuadri, emphasized that the fight against drug abuse requires unity among families, schools, and religious institutions.
The sensitisation drew participants from Igbooye Community Senior and Junior High Schools, St. Paul’s Primary School, Igbooye Local Government Primary School, and the Igbooye Vocational Training Centre.
Students shared personal experiences and pledged to lead by example, promoting responsible living and peer awareness.
Observers described the initiative as both timely and impactful, highlighting that the campaign’s grassroots focus shows a growing recognition that the war against drug abuse must begin within communities.
The programme concluded with a community pledge to sustain education, discipline, and collaboration toward a safer, healthier, and drug-free Eredo.
