WADA Campaign: Lagos First Lady, NDLEA Empower Students in Drug-Free Movement

The fight against substance abuse received renewed vigour as the Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led a coalition of stakeholders to the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event, themed under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, brought together the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), LASU management, state ministries, advocacy groups and student representatives in a collective stand against drug misuse, particularly among youths and students.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, joined the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for a symbolic anti-drug walk from the main gate of the university to the Buba Marwa Auditorium.

Addressing the crowd, the First Lady urged students to take ownership of the anti-drug initiative and become change agents in their communities.

“To the students of LASU, I invite you to join the LASU WADA Group,” she said. “Help us spread this message, protect your peers and become the voice that inspires a shift in mindset.”

She also charged LASU Radio and other campus media to keep the conversation alive.

“This fight is not a one-off. It’s a sustained movement, and under the leadership of Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we are deploying a multi-sectoral approach to tackle this menace head-on.”

Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat echoed the call for unity in action, describing drug abuse as a “global menace” that requires both compassion and firm intervention.

“Addiction is not just a crime, it is often a cry for help,” she said. “We must create safe spaces where those affected can be heard, helped and healed.”

Lagos State NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Lima Wali, commended the initiative and reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborate with educational institutions and communities.

“The war against drugs can only be won when we all unite. Prevention is more powerful than cure. Advocacy like this is the heartbeat of our mission,” he declared.

Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, praised the First Lady’s leadership and affirmed the legislature’s support.

“As lawmakers, we are aligned with this movement. We are reviewing policies and laws to reinforce youth protection against drug abuse,” he stated.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello, LASU Vice Chancellor, thanked the First Lady for selecting the institution as a platform to amplify the WADA message.

“This is more than symbolic; it’s transformational,” she said. “At LASU, we are committed to the total well-being of our students, and that includes a drug-free learning environment.”

As part of the campaign, a strategic anti-drug signpost was unveiled on campus and a symbolic wall painting at the Students Arcade was commissioned. In recognition of her relentless advocacy, the LASU management presented a plaque of honour to the First Lady, while some members of the university community, including academics and students, were decorated as WADA Ambassadors.

Chairperson of the WADA Committee, Mrs. Olubukonla Nwonah, acknowledged the contributions of partners, volunteers and LASU management for their support.

“This campaign shows what is possible when stakeholders work in synergy,” she said.