By Moses Nosike

In a bid to compassionately rehabilitate and empower individuals affected by substance abuse, transforming their lives and equipping them to rise as heroes of purpose, resilience, and positive impact, Lifted Life Rehabilitation Centre was launched in partnership with The Daughters of Zion Prayer Network and The Lord’s Worshipers Assembly, Ajay, Lagos.

The foundation which now invites meaningful Nigerians, government to join hands and eradicate the menace of drug addiction in the society is expanding its vision toward establishing a permanent rehabilitation and restoration facility designed to provide holistic care, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and economically etc. The centre guided by the vision “Building Heroes from the Ruins,” exists to restore dignity, purpose, and hope to individuals society has often abandoned.

Speaking during the launch, the founder, Pastor Helen Nkwo said, “The ministry envisions raising transformed individuals who will become leaders, counselors, entrepreneurs, and agents of positive change within their communities. There is no life that cannot be changed or helped or uplifted”.

Responding to questions if the fight against drug addictions can be eliminated with the level of penetration into the society, she said that is possible. It takes passion. It is passion that drew me to those who are struggling with substance abuse. “If Ikenna who had been addicted for 30 years from Junior Secondary School could be free from addiction and become the great man you are seeing today, who wrote songs, produced them, what you saw here happened just between April and May, 2026. Who told you it is not possible. There are many of them we have helped and today, they are free.”

In addition, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali (ACGN) NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, represented by Deputy Commander of Administration, National Drug law Enforcement Agencies ( NDLEA,) Mr Akogun James, said, “What struck me was the passion of which Helen spoke about this project. She saw this as a national aspect. The documentary we watched has told us how, after about three decades of service in the oil and gas industry, she has taken this upon herself to be a hope for the government, to rescue the vulnerable in the society”.

He said, “In a society increasingly confronted by the devastating consequences of substance abuse and drug dependence, the decision to invest in rehabilitation infrastructure is not only commendable, but profoundly patriotic and humanitarian. This gathering is more than a ceremonial launch of a building project. It is the laying of a foundation for hope, for healing, for restoration, and human dignity”.

In the same vein, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry For Youth and Social Development, Lagos, Hon. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende represented by Titilayo Abiodun Yinusa, said, “The establishment of the purpose-built rehabilitation centre dedicated to prevention, treatment, psychosocial support, skill acquisition and reintegration is both timely and highly commendable. I wish to particularly acknowledge the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of a founder whose transition into the noble humanitarian endeavor reflects a profound sense of responsibility and compassion towards vulnerable members of our society”.

She said, “This initiative demonstrates that retirement from active service can be transformed into a platform for impactful community development. I have been reliably informed that Lifetime Life Rehabilitation Centre over the years have successfully implemented six structural rehabilitation seasons which have positively impacted more than 400 young people. The purpose-built facility launched will undoubtedly further restore hope to individuals affected by drug abuse and provide a more comprehensive and sustainable framework for recovery and integration”.

“Through the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, we continue to support policies and programs aimed at reducing substance abuse, rehabilitating affected individuals and empowering them to become productive citizens. The Lifetime Life Rehabilitation Centre building projects align strongly with the team plus development agenda of this administration, particularly in the area of health, education and social inclusion. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between governments, private individuals and civil society”.

However, the chairman, planning committee, Mr. Felix Azubuike said, “This gathering is not only a celebration but also a call to purpose. We are here to witness a new chapter in the life of an exceptional woman, Rev. Helen Nkwo, whose story continues to inspire excellence, compassion, and service. “After an illustrious 35-year career in the oil and gas industry, Mrs Nkwo transitions into a new phase-one defined not by retirement, but by renewed commitment to humanity. Her journey reflects a life of impact, integrity, and dedication”.