The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday led a high-impact advocacy campaign against drug abuse at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
EpeInsights gathered that the sensitisation drive organised by the Office of the First Lady, brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the LASU War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) team, Lagos State Ministries of Health and Youth and Social Development, advocacy groups and student bodies.
The campaign featured a symbolic awareness walk from LASU’s main gate to the Buba Marwa Auditorium, led by Dr. Sanwo-Olu, alongside the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; lawmakers; and anti-drug advocates.
The event aimed to mobilise young people against the growing menace of drug abuse and promote preventive education across campuses and communities.
In her address, the First Lady urged students to take ownership of the anti-drug movement, encouraging them to join the LASU WADA Group and become peer advocates.
“Help us spread this message, protect your peers, and become the voice that inspires a shift in mindset,” she charged.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu further called on campus-based media platforms, including LASU Radio, to amplify anti-drug messages and sustain advocacy beyond the event.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse through inter-ministerial collaboration and policy support under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, described drug abuse as a “global menace” requiring early intervention, robust mental health support, and an end to the stigmatisation of those battling addiction.
“Addiction is often a symptom of deeper mental health issues. We must stop stigmatising and start supporting,” she stated.
Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, praised the initiative and assured that the Assembly would continue to enact laws supporting anti-drug programmes across the state.
LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for selecting LASU as host. She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustaining the campaign through active student engagement and continuous awareness programmes.
“We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment where our students can thrive,” she said.
Also speaking, NDLEA Commander in Lagos State, Commander Abubakar Lima Wali, noted that the fight against drug abuse demands unity and collaboration.
He called for intensified grassroots campaigns, increased rehabilitation support, and educational initiatives across various platforms.
Chairperson of the WADA Committee, Mrs. Olubukonla Nwonah, applauded the First Lady’s leadership and thanked LASU for its warm reception and collaboration. She also acknowledged the role of partners, sponsors, and volunteers in ensuring the success of the event.
Highlights of the day included the unveiling of a strategic anti-drug signpost and the commissioning of a wall painting at the LASU Students Arcade, serving as lasting reminders of the anti-drug message.
To crown the event, the First Lady was honoured with a recognition plaque by the LASU Vice Chancellor for her commitment to the cause and for choosing the university as the campaign venue.
Additionally, members of LASU’s academic community and students were decorated as WADA Ambassadors, with the responsibility of spreading the drug-free message beyond the campus.
