Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, led an awareness campaign and walk against drug abuse at Caleb University, Imota, urging students to make deliberate choices that support healthy living, personal growth and a drug free future.

The event, held to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, drew students and stakeholders who heard Dr Sanwo Olu describe substance abuse as a major threat to young people, warning that addiction continues to undermine education, productivity, mental health and overall wellbeing.

Speaking on the theme "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," she stressed the need for stronger partnerships and innovative solutions to address emerging substance abuse trends.

Dr Sanwo Olu revealed that her office has continued working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, government agencies, community leaders, non governmental organisations and local authorities to strengthen drug prevention campaigns across Lagos, pointing to earlier advocacy programmes held at Lagos State University and the University of Lagos in 2025 as part of these ongoing efforts.

As part of the Caleb University event, she inaugurated the institution's War Against Drug Abuse Club, decorated student WADA champions and unveiled an anti drug awareness signpost on campus, while urging students to become ambassadors of the campaign since substance abuse often destroys dreams, careers and lives.

The Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, encouraged students to remain focused on their education and resist negative influences, adding that parents, schools, religious institutions and government must work together to raise a responsible, purpose driven generation.

Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, commended the First Lady's office for the partnership and reaffirmed the University's commitment to a drug free campus through education, mentorship and support systems.

Deputy Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Titilope Ogunluyi, identified peer pressure, unemployment, poor parental supervision, emotional trauma and mental health challenges as key drivers of drug abuse among young people, while reminding students of the legal consequences tied to drug related offences.

Addiction recovery advocate David Folaranmi also addressed participants, sharing his personal recovery journey and calling for greater investment in prevention, rehabilitation and support programmes.