Stakeholders in Lagos State have renewed efforts to combat youth substance abuse at the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (WADA 2026) held at Caleb University, Imota.
The event, organised by the University in partnership with the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, brought together senior government officials, healthcare professionals, security agencies, development partners and student leaders to strengthen the campaign against drug abuse.
Among those in attendance were the First Lady of Lagos State, the wife of the Deputy Governor, wives of the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area chairmen, commissioners and other top government officials.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, described the summit as a watershed moment in the institution’s commitment to social responsibility and nation-building.
Professor Asikhia noted that “the initiative aligns with the University’s vision of producing graduates who possess not only academic excellence but also the character and values required for societal transformation.”
The campaign was inspired by the leadership of the Lagos State Governor’s wife, Dr Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, whose enduring commitment to youth development, public health and mental health advocacy took centre stage throughout the programme.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, alongside the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat participated in a drug abuse awareness walk across the Caleb University campus as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The awareness walk also featured the wives of the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area chairmen, commissioners, permanent secretaries and other senior government officials, highlighting the collective commitment to tackling substance abuse among young people.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said; “the inclusion of Caleb University in the initiative marked a significant milestone in Lagos State’s anti-drug campaign.”
She noted that the institution is the third tertiary institution and the first private university in the state to join the programme aimed at raising awareness and preventing substance abuse among youths.
Reflecting on the global theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the First Lady stressed the need for evidence-based and collaborative interventions.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration
She lamented the stigma often associated with substance abuse, saying “victims require support, rehabilitation and reintegration rather than rejection and isolation.”
She highlighted her office’s multi-sectoral partnerships with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), MTN Nigeria, and the Lagos State Ministries of Education, Health and Justice, as well as initiatives such as the Lagos Boy-Child Initiative, all designed to strengthen prevention, awareness and rehabilitation efforts.
Addressing the students directly, she warned against seeking temporary escape through drugs, reminding them “that today’s choices will determine tomorrow’s destinies and shape the future of society.”
In her goodwill messages, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat enjoined students to build and embrace positive values and reject every form of drug or substance abuse.
“Let us walk together: parents, institutions, leaders and government. We all need to build a generation that is purposeful and result-driven,“Mrs Hamzat stressed.
The Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, said universities must go beyond teaching and research to contribute to addressing societal challenges.
He warned that the emergence of synthetic drugs and evolving trafficking networks requires stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb substance abuse among young people.
Professor Asikhia also commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in advancing drug prevention, rehabilitation and awareness programmes.
As part of measures to sustain the campaign, Caleb University unveiled a four-point action plan aimed at promoting a drug-free campus environment, strengthening counselling services and supporting behavioural change initiatives among students.
A highlight of the event was an anti-drug advocacy drama performed by the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia.
The performance reinforced the campaign’s message on the dangers of substance abuse and the need for collective action to protect young people from drug-related risks.
The drama drew applause from participants and underscored the university’s commitment to supporting anti-drug awareness initiatives.
