The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has emphasised the need for greater investment in preventing illicit drug use among young people, stressing that prevention remains more effective and less costly than rehabilitation.
The call was made during the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club, Lagos State University, LASU Chapter, in collaboration with the NDLEA, COPAC Nigerian Limited, makers of Alabukun Powder, and the Ogunremi Foundation.
The event, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre on the university’s Ojo campus, was themed: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Delivering the keynote address, Abubakar Liwan Wali said preventing drug abuse among youths is far more beneficial than spending huge resources on rehabilitation after addiction has taken hold.
He noted that the fight against illicit drug use cannot be left to the NDLEA alone, calling on universities, parents, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to join forces in tackling the menace.
According to him, the theme of this year’s campaign reflects the need to raise awareness, adopt innovative approaches to drug abuse prevention and strengthen collective efforts against illicit drug trafficking.
As part of the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, who serves as the Grand Matron of the university’s WADA Club, was honoured for her contributions to youth development and the promotion of a drug-free society.
In her welcome address, delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Oseni Taiwo Afisi, the Vice-Chancellor described the event’s theme as a timely reminder of the importance of sustained collaboration, evidence-based interventions and stronger preventive strategies in addressing the global drug problem.
She commended the longstanding partnership between LASU and the NDLEA and praised the anti-drug advocacy initiatives undertaken by the university’s WADA Club since its establishment in 2022.
Reaffirming the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse, Olatunji-Bello urged students to embrace discipline, uphold moral values and make responsible decisions that promote healthy living and personal development.
She concluded her address with the message: “Say No to Drug Abuse and Yes to Life, Purpose and a Brighter Future.”
Also speaking at the event, Commander of Narcotics in charge of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Chinyerem Ezihaghali, described drug dependence as a chronic condition that progresses from misuse to craving and eventually addiction.
She warned that addiction takes control of the body’s organs and often results in broken families, damaged careers, failed relationships and social stigmatisation.
Ezihaghali urged participants to become advocates against drug abuse by taking awareness campaigns into their homes, schools and communities.
She also encouraged members of the public to report cases of drug abuse and trafficking to the NDLEA through its toll-free helpline, stressing that silence enables drug traffickers to thrive.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Coordinator of the LASU WADA Club, Deborah Adewuyi; Founder and Chairman of the Ogunremi Foundation, King Ogunremi; representative of COPAC Nigerian Limited, Bunmi Oyewole; and the outgoing President of the Lagos State University Students’ Union, Adebayo Korede Peters.
The programme also featured drama presentations, musical performances and educational skits highlighting the dangers of substance abuse before concluding with an award presentation to the Vice-Chancellor and a photo session.
