Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign against substance abuse among young people, warning that emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, prescription medication misuse and online drug markets are worsening the global drug problem and threatening the future of Nigerian youths. The State made the call during the 2026 World Drug Abuse Day commemoration held at Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Bolade, under the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Chairman of the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC) and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Olabisi Okewole, said the annual observance provides an opportunity for governments, institutions, communities and families to reflect on the growing impact of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on public health, security, social development and economic prosperity. She noted that while traditional drug abuse challenges remain, new threats continue to emerge, demanding innovative and coordinated responses.

According to Okewole, the increasing availability of synthetic drugs, misuse of prescription medicines and the rise of online drug markets have significantly complicated efforts to combat substance abuse, particularly among young people. “The people most affected are often our young people; the same young people we are counting on to build this country’s future,” she said.

The Chairman observed that Lagos, as a rapidly growing and highly urbanised state, faces unique vulnerabilities, stressing that drug abuse cannot be addressed through law enforcement alone. “Drug abuse isn’t simply a crime problem we can arrest our way out of. It is closely linked to poverty, unemployment, untreated mental health challenges, difficult childhood experiences and peer pressure. If we fail to address these root causes, we will only continue treating the symptoms,” she stated.

She, however, expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, schools, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and community leaders would strengthen prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Okewole urged parents, teachers and religious leaders to remain vigilant while encouraging young people to protect their future by rejecting drugs and seeking help whenever they or their friends face substance abuse challenges. “Prevention remains our best investment because it is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences,” she added.

Delivering the keynote presentation titled “Making the Right Choices in a World of Drug Challenges: Building a Healthy, Drug-Free and Successful Future,” the facilitator, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale of Purpose Driven Counseling Service, told the students that every decision they make today would determine the opportunities available to them tomorrow. She explained that peer pressure, social media influence, curiosity, academic stress and family challenges often expose adolescents to the temptation of drug abuse.

Dr. Odewale explained that teenagers are particularly vulnerable because the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, reasoning and impulse control – does not fully develop until about the age of 25. She warned that drug abuse damages physical and mental health, weakens academic performance, destroys relationships, creates legal problems and limits future career opportunities.

The mental health expert encouraged students to set clear life goals, choose friends wisely, confidently reject drugs, manage stress through healthy activities such as sports, music, reading, exercise and prayer, and seek help from parents, teachers or counsellors whenever they encounter challenges. She also urged them to become peer advocates against substance abuse by joining anti-drug campaigns and serving as positive role models in their schools and communities.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ACGN Abubakar Wali represented by Superintendent of Narcotics, Ayenigbara Samuel reminded the students that drugs destroy dreams and promising futures. He urged them to resist negative peer influence, describing friendship as a matter of choice rather than compulsion.

“Drugs will never make you successful. Instead, they destroy lives, damage health and rob people of their potential. As I look around this hall today, I see future doctors, governors, senators and even Presidents of Nigeria. Protect those dreams by staying away from drugs,” he said.

Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Olabode Lawal, said the Ministry has partnered with the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee for more than 15 years to sustain public enlightenment campaigns against substance abuse. He noted that drug abuse has extended beyond adults to secondary and primary school pupils, stressing the need for sustained education and vigilance.

Lawal cautioned that drug abuse is not limited to illicit substances, explaining that the misuse of prescribed medicines also constitutes substance abuse. He urged students to strictly adhere to medical prescriptions, warning that many violent crimes in society are often fuelled by drug abuse. “Always follow your doctor’s prescription. Taking more than the prescribed dosage is also drug abuse, and together we must reject substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles,” he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Community Development, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Morayo Lamilisa, urged students not to allow peer pressure to derail their ambitions, noting that drug abuse damages the brain, impairs judgement and destroys promising careers. She encouraged them to associate with friends who promote positive values and healthy living.

Lamilisa warned against the misuse of over-the-counter medicines, including cough syrups, stressing that taking medications without medical prescription or in excessive quantities amounts to drug abuse. She prayed that none of the students’ aspirations would be cut short by substance abuse, urging them to remain focused on achieving their dreams.

On his part, a representative of the Mental Health and Special Projects Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mr. Titofunmi Atewologun, described substance abuse as both a public health and mental health concern requiring prevention, education, rehabilitation and sustained community support. He commended the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, the NDLEA and the management of Ikeja Senior Grammar School for organising the awareness programme.

According to Atewologun, young people are constantly confronted with pressures from friends, social media and curiosity, but should never hesitate to seek guidance from trusted adults whenever they face difficult choices. “Your future is worth protecting. Protect your mind. Protect your health. Say no to drugs and choose a future filled with purpose, hope and endless possibilities,” he advised.

In her closing remarks, Secretary of the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, Pharm. Simisola Opanuga, appreciated all stakeholders, including the NDLEA, Education District VI, school authorities, healthcare professionals, volunteers, corps members, support staff and members of the media for contributing to the success of the programme. She urged participants to sustain the anti-drug campaign beyond the event, reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to building a drug-free Lagos through continuous collaboration and public enlightenment.

Students who participated in the programme described the sensitisation campaign as enlightening and life-changing. Goodnews Iwueze of Oshodi Senior High School said the programme had inspired her to discourage drug abuse among her peers by encouraging those facing challenges to seek help from school counsellors and other trusted adults, while Ozioma Kalu of Ikeja Senior Grammar School advised fellow students never to experiment with drugs or misuse prescribed medications, insisting that drug abuse is never a solution to life’s problems.

Similarly, Effiong Bassey of Oshodi Comprehensive Senior High School said he had learned the importance of choosing friends wisely and resisting negative influence, noting that while drugs may appear to provide temporary relief from stress, they ultimately destroy lives and futures. Ayanfe Onifade of Bolade Senior Grammar School pledged to share the knowledge gained with classmates, friends and family members, promising to serve as a positive role model by encouraging other students to reject drug abuse and embrace healthy, responsible lifestyles.

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