With drug abuse increasingly threatening the wellbeing and future of young Nigerians, community leaders and experts have intensified calls for grassroots action, a message that resonated strongly at the Anti-Drug Abuse Sensitisation Programme held in Igbooye Kingdom, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division, Lagos State.
The initiative, organised by Equitable Planning Consult in collaboration with Dr. Olayinka Agunloye, an Associate Professor at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), took place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom.
Themed “Towards a Drug-Free Society: Safeguarding the Youths for a Better Future,” the sensitisation programme sought to address the growing menace of drug abuse by equipping young people with knowledge, discipline, and resilience against peer pressure and social vices.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mr. Lanuwa, Deputy Controller of NDLEA, Lagos Command, painted a grim picture of the rising trend of drug consumption among youths, warning that the crisis, if unchecked, could undermine family stability, community safety, and national development.
He urged participants to remain vigilant, seek help where necessary, and act as ambassadors of a drug-free society within their various schools and communities.
The event drew wide participation from students, teachers, and youth groups across the division, including representatives from Igbooye Community Senior and Junior High Schools, St. Paul’s Primary School, Igbooye Local Government Primary School, and the Igbooye Vocational Training Centre.
During the interactive session, participants asked thought-provoking questions, shared personal experiences, and pledged to adopt positive lifestyle choices.
In his royal remarks, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa commended the organisers and emphasised the need for sustained enlightenment to safeguard the future of the youth.
He cautioned that drug abuse poses a serious threat to societal stability and called on families, schools, and religious institutions to reinforce moral values and vigilance among young people.
“Our future depends on the soundness of our youth. We must all say no to drugs and protect our community from this silent destroyer,” the monarch declared.
The Olisa of Igbooye, Chief AbdulBariu AbdulQuadri, in his closing remarks, lauded the collaborative effort and reaffirmed the community’s collective commitment to fighting drug abuse through education, mentorship, and moral guidance.
Observers described the sensitisation as timely and impactful, noting that it reflected the growing awareness across Lagos communities that combating drug abuse requires a united front, one that blends government policy, traditional leadership, and grassroots engagement.
The event, which ended with a renewed pledge for a safer and drug-free Igbooye, underscored the importance of continuous community-based education in shaping a healthier generation and reinforcing Nigeria’s broader anti-drug campaign.