…lead anti-drug campaign

By Efe Onodjae 

Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Olalekan Akindipe, has warned that Nigeria is in a period where many young people are becoming involved in drugs, sometimes unknowingly.

Akindipe, who is collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer of Jposh Africa, Jennifer Onah, to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse among youths, spoke as Onah intensifies efforts to equip youths, parents, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to make healthier life choices.

Both are leading a major anti-drug campaign, themed: ‘High on Life, Not Drugs,’ in Ajegunle on April 30, 2026, to combat the menace.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness, educate residents, and provide support for individuals affected by drug abuse within the community.

Speaking ahead of the programme, Onah described the initiative as a movement aimed at restoring hope and redirecting the energy of young people toward productive ventures.

According to her, activities lined up include awareness walks, interactive sessions, free medical screenings, counseling, and motivational talks from individuals who have overcome addiction.

“Our focus is to engage youths, parents, and community leaders in honest conversations about drug abuse, while equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make healthier life choices,” she said.

She noted that the organisation had undertaken extensive consultations with stakeholders, including government officials and grassroots leaders, to ensure broad participation and lasting impact.

According to her, the lack of structured rehabilitation centres as major challenges facing the initiative, calling for increased support from both public and private sectors.

She revealed plans to establish a vocational training centre that would serve as a rehabilitation and empowerment hub for affected youths, enabling them to acquire practical skills and reintegrate into society.

Also speaking, Akindipe expressed concern over the rising involvement of youths in substance abuse, attributing the trend largely to peer pressure and exposure during social activities.

The council boss disclosed that the local government had intensified efforts to clamp down on drug peddlers and identified black spots within the area, adding that security agencies were actively working to dismantle illegal drug networks.

He commended the role of enforcement agencies in recent operations and stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing the issue.

“Parents, schools, religious institutions, and the community at large must continue to sensitise our youths on the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.

Meanwhile, the organisers also assured that the campaign would not end with the event, noting that follow-up mentorship programmes and continuous engagement would be implemented to sustain its impact.