The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign against substance abuse, calling for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to protect the youth from emerging global drug threats. Through the Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the state officially commemorated the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event, held at the Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, was themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovation Responses.” It brought together government officials, health experts, teachers, and students from various schools, including Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Bolade Senior Grammar School, Oshodi Senior Comprehensive School, and Oshodi Senior High School, to address the evolving crisis.
New Threats and the Power of Prevention
In her welcome address, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Chairman of LSIDACC, Pharm Olabisi Okewole, emphasized that the annual UN day serves as a critical period for global reflection on how drug trafficking impacts public health, national security, and economic prosperity. She noted that while old challenges remain, contemporary threats like synthetic drugs, prescription drug misuse, and online drug markets are rapidly emerging.
“Those affected most are often the young people counted on to build this country’s future. Prevention remains our best investment; it’s far cheaper, in every sense, than dealing with the aftermath,” Okewole stated.
Addressing vulnerable groups directly, Okewole urged parents and teachers to maintain open lines of communication with children. She also challenged the youth to safeguard their futures, adding, “Protect your future. Don’t let any substance take it from you. If you’re struggling, or if a friend is, please reach out. Asking for help is not a weakness.” She extended gratitude to partnering ministries, including the Ministries of Information, Education, Youth and Social Development, and Local Government for their joint efforts.
Government Amplifies Public Awareness Campaigns
Reaffirming the state’s dedication to the cause, Mr. Olabode Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, representing the Ministry of Information and Strategy, congratulated LSIDACC on its persistent efforts to keep Lagos drug-free. He highlighted the ministry’s ongoing grassroots sensitization strategies.
“As part of our statutory responsibilities, the Ministry creates awareness across Lagos State on the menace of drug abuse through the use of the Ministry’s motorized campaign vehicles, prepares jingles on the menace of drug abuse, sensitizes youths and students, artisan groups, and various Community Development Associations,” Lawal explained.
He strongly advised the gathered students to reject illicit substances and “say yes to life.”
The Medical and Mental Cost of Substance Abuse
Providing a stark look at the chemical dangers of narcotics, Mr. A.A. Samuel, Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, described drug abuse as a “killer disease” designed to abort dreams. He specifically warned students about peer pressure and the severe physical toll of marijuana.
“Cannabis sativa, also called Indian Hemp, has 421 chemicals; if one stick is taken, it means that someone has taken 421 chemicals, which is not good for the body,” Samuel warned, reminding students that friendship is a choice, not a force.
Corroborating this stance, Titofunmi Atewologun of the Mental Health Desk Office, Lagos State Ministry of Health, reminded the audience that drugs create problems rather than solving them. Atewologun pledged the office’s continuous support for evidence-based care and sustainable recovery initiatives.
“Real strength is having the confidence to make the right choices, even when they are not the easiest ones,” Atewologun told the students, urging them to protect their minds.
Building a Drug-Free Future
The commemoration featured a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, Chief Executive Officer of Purpose Driven Counselling Services. Speaking on “Making The Right Choices In A World Of Drug Challenges: Building A Healthy, Drug-Free And Successful Future,” Odewale defined drug abuse as the harmful use of substances like alcohol, cigarettes, illegal narcotics, and volatile solvents.
Odewale warned that substance abuse leads to ruined academic prospects, damaged relationships, and lost opportunities. To counter this, she provided actionable advice for the students, instructing them to set clear personal goals, choose peers wisely, learn the art of saying no, manage academic stress through healthy outlets, and seek professional help early before habits escalate.
The event concluded with additional goodwill messages from representatives of the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Developments, all unifying behind the state’s goal of a healthier, safer, and drug-free Lagos.
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