Lagos State First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led a high-profile campaign against drug abuse and illicit substance use at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The sensitisation event, organised by the Office of the First Lady, brought together key stakeholders including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), LASU’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) team, Lagos State Ministries of Health and Youth and Social Development, and other advocacy groups.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu was joined by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat; the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; and other prominent figures for an awareness walk from LASU’s main gate to the Buba Marwa Auditorium, symbolising collective commitment to ending drug abuse in schools and communities.
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Addressing the gathering, she reaffirmed her dedication to combating substance abuse, especially among youths.
She encouraged LASU students to join the institution’s WADA group, become peer advocates, and promote a drug-free lifestyle.
“To the students of LASU, I invite you to join the LASU WADA Group. Help us spread this message, protect your peers, and become the voice that inspires a shift in mindset,” she urged.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu also called on LASU Radio and other campus media to help amplify anti-drug messages, adding that the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remained committed to addressing drug-related challenges through relevant ministries and the Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee.
However, Mrs Hamzat described drug abuse as a global crisis needing urgent attention, while advocating mental health support and an end to the stigmatisation of those struggling with addiction.
“Addiction is often a symptom of deeper mental health issues that go undiagnosed for too long. We must stop stigmatising and start supporting,” she said.
More so, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Abiodun Orekoya, lauded the First Lady’s efforts and assured that the Assembly would continue to support policies aimed at reducing drug abuse.
Also, Prof. Olatunji-Bello expressed appreciation to the First Lady for choosing LASU as the campaign venue, affirming the university’s commitment to supporting awareness and prevention initiatives that safeguard student well-being.
“At LASU, we are deeply committed to not only academic excellence but also the holistic well-being of our students,” she stated.
NDLEA Lagos Commander, Abubakar Lima Wali, stressed the need for collective action in the fight against drug abuse.
He called for increased grassroots advocacy, school-based preventive education, and support for rehabilitation programmes.
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Chairperson of the WADA Committee, Olubukonla Nwonah, thanked the First Lady for her leadership and acknowledged LASU’s hospitality and stakeholder collaboration.
As part of the campaign activities, Mrs Sanwo-Olu unveiled an anti-drug signpost and commissioned a symbolic mural at the LASU Students Arcade.
She was also presented with a recognition plaque by the university in appreciation of her role in championing the anti-drug cause.
Several LASU staff and students were decorated as WADA Ambassadors, tasked with spreading the message of drug-free living beyond the university.
