Akeredolu Gbolahan, Deputy Editor-in-chief, LASU Conscience
The Lagos State University, Ojo, held an awareness programme against drug abuse and illicit trafficking on Thursday, 19th June 2025. The event featured the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as the special guest.
The programme was graced by notable dignitaries including the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, the State Commander of the NDLEA, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, members of the WADA Club, and the student populace of Lagos State University.
The WADA Club delivered a speech on how drug abuse affects vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and the elderly. They also highlighted the dangers faced by children who consume alcohol from a young age.
Dr. Adedeji, a representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO), enlightened the students on drug use among adolescents. He discussed its impact on the individual, treatment processes, the importance of family support, and proper care.
According to him, drug abuse is most common among young adults aged 18–25, with a prevalence rate of 36.5%, followed by adults aged 26 and above at 20.8%, and adolescents aged 12–17 at 11.2%. He also revealed that Lagos State currently has the highest rate of drug use in Nigeria.
David Folarin, also from an NGO, shared his real-life experience to encourage those seeking to overcome drug addiction. He emphasized the severe consequences of drug abuse, including death and excessive health expenses.
He explained how many individuals struggling with addiction are unable to recover due to financial constraints.David shared a personal story of his journey through drug addiction.
He had scored 323 in JAMB and gained admission into Covenant University. Despite initially saying no to drugs, his challenges began in 2007 when he traveled to the UK for his master’s degree. There, he gave in to peer pressure after being offered money to take drugs by Europeans he lived with, which marked the beginning of his addiction.Upon returning to Nigeria without completing his degree, he couldn’t face his parents. They provided him with comfort and support, but he sold all they gave him to buy drugs. He even sold his international passport and told various lies to sustain his addiction. Eventually, he found himself living in a filthy environment surrounded by others also addicted to drugs. The only thing that bonded them was the availability of drugs.One of the most heartbreaking moments he witnessed was a 15-year-old pregnant girl who gave birth to a baby boy and later traded her two-month-old child for drugs. In the next seven years, he lost four of his close friends to drug abuse.
According to David:”Cure is not guaranteed. They can only strive to be their best. The best way to live a healthy life is to stay away from drugs.”
He also recounted how he sold his crutches for drugs and began hopping on one leg. On August 17, 2017, he attempted suicide by drinking poison and a bottle of bleach. He was rushed to the hospital, and according to a nurse, if he had arrived ten minutes later, he would have died. That incident marked the turning point in his recovery journey. In his words: “If you’ve never tried drugs, please don’t. And for those struggling, look at me as a beacon of hope.”
Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the special guest and First Lady of Lagos State, urged the students to reflect on everything they had learned during the programme and continue raising awareness in their various departments. She further encouraged women, especially mothers, to be active advocates in all sectors to help win the war against drug abuse.
Azubuike David, Correspondent, LASU Conscience
Akinrinlade Fatiah, Correspondent, LASU Conscience
