By Ayomide Otitoju
In a bid to curb rising drug and substance abuse among young people, the Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Thursday launched a two-day youth education summit in Agege. The programme, held at the Oba Sanni Komolafe Youth Centre, brought together students, educators, public health experts, and youth stakeholders under the theme: “Drug/Substance Abuse and You: What Every Young Person Should Know.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, LSIDACC Chair Pharm. Olawale Poluyi urged students to act as ambassadors against drug abuse. She highlighted that drug misuse often begins with self-medication and improper use of substances, stressing that every drug has a specific purpose and potential side effects. Poluyi encouraged students to make healthy choices, cultivate resilience, and exercise caution in friendships and social media interactions.
Poluyi also noted that recent studies show 13.6 percent of secondary school students in Lagos have experimented with drugs, while nationally, 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 use psychoactive substances. She identified emotional distress, trauma, boredom, curiosity, and peer pressure as common triggers for drug experimentation and emphasized early intervention through education, community engagement, and mental health support.
Deputy Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA, Mrs. Titilope Ogunliyi, urged youths to reject drugs and negative peer influence, warning that substance abuse can affect individuals, families, and communities. She encouraged students to associate with the right peers, commit to personal development, and pursue their goals despite challenges.
The summit featured presentations by experts, including Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, Head of Research at the Shelter Youth and Community Network, who highlighted the vulnerability of the adolescent brain and the long-term consequences of early drug exposure. She taught practical refusal skills, emphasizing the importance of saying no and seeking support from trusted adults.
Other stakeholders, including Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) Director Mr. Lukmon Kotun, Education District I representative Mrs. Titilope Akin-Oyelade, and Dr. Yeside Shogbamimu of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, praised the initiative and stressed the need for continued awareness and collaboration in addressing substance abuse.
Students who attended the summit described it as eye-opening and pledged to share the knowledge gained with peers and their communities. The two-day programme continues on Friday, with more youths from Agege and neighbouring areas expected to participate as part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to protect its young population from drug-related risks.
