NDLEA, Omega Foundation, Others Rally Lagos Residents Against Drug Abuse
L-R: Mr Emmanuel Olaitan Founder De-Freedom Initiatives, ACN Fajobi Abiodun NDLEA, Mr Romanus Chukwuemeka Founder Omega Foundation, DCN Stephen Ogunsua NDLEA Agege Area Commander, Prophet Kehinde Abiodun GO. Fountain of Hosanna Church of Christ, CSN Ojeleye Hannah NDLEA.
By Hannah Oginni,
The Omega Foundation, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), religious leaders and other stakeholders, has intensified the campaign against drug abuse with the Lagos 100 Men Drug Awareness Rally, calling on Nigerians to reject substance abuse and support efforts to rid communities of illicit drugs.
The awareness rally, which traversed major parts of Lagos from Ikeja to Agege on Friday, brought together officials of the NDLEA, cleric, civil society organisations and volunteers who sensitised commercial drivers, motorcyclists, traders and residents on the devastating effects of drug abuse.
However, the organisers noted that the Lagos 100 Men Drug Awareness Rally forms part of sustained efforts to promote drug abuse prevention, encourage rehabilitation for victims and strengthen community participation in the campaign against illicit drug use across Nigeria.
Speaking during the campaign, the Area Commander of the NDLEA, DCN Stephen Ogunsua, described drug abuse as a growing social challenge that continues to threaten the future of many young Nigerians.
He said the agency’s responsibility extends beyond arrests and prosecution to include counselling, rehabilitation, public enlightenment and preventive education aimed at reducing both the demand and supply of illicit drugs.
“We have consistently condemned drug abuse and trafficking and will continue to do so. The Federal Government is making efforts to curb the menace, but everyone has a role to play. If demand is reduced through awareness, supply will naturally decline,” he said.
Ogunsua explained that the agency regularly visits schools, churches, communities and workplaces to educate people, especially young persons, on the dangers associated with drug abuse.
He disclosed that the awareness campaign yielded immediate results as one of the participants voluntarily approached NDLEA officials to seek help after admitting that his addiction had consumed virtually all his daily earnings.
“We have taken his contact details and invited him for counselling. Depending on the level of addiction, such individuals may undergo rehabilitation, treatment and eventual reintegration into society with the support of their families,” he said.
The NDLEA commander appealed to residents to support the agency by providing timely information on drug dealers and illegal drug activities within their communities, stressing that collaboration remains critical to winning the fight against substance abuse.
Also speaking, the General Overseer of Fountain of Hosanna Church of Christ, Prophet Kehinde Abiodun, described drug abuse as both a moral and spiritual challenge that destroys lives and destinies.
He urged young people to shun hard drugs, warning that many promising youths had lost opportunities because of addiction.
Prophet Kehinde stressed, “God did not create anyone to destroy himself with drugs. We are here to support the NDLEA in educating the public because many lives and destinies have been ruined by substance abuse. We must discourage both those selling drugs and those using them,” added.
On his part, Founder of Omega Foundation, Romanus Chukwuemeka, said the campaign was organised to restore hope to people battling addiction and encourage communities to become active participants in the fight against drug abuse.
While appreciating partners during the rally, he expressed, “The response from members of the public has been encouraging. Some individuals have already reached out for help during the rally, which shows that awareness campaigns like this can inspire positive change. Together, we can build healthier and safer communities,” he said.
