Last Saturday, the Ikeja Centennial Lions Club executed a high-impact “Campaign Against Drug Abuse” at the Rehabilitation Centre opposite De-Prince Supermarket, Border Isheri Berger, Lagos State. Organized as the club’s August activity, the event commenced at 8 a.m., drawing a diverse turnout from local communities, healthcare providers and youth organizations.
The campaign held profound importance in light of rising substance abuse across Nigeria particularly among youths. A landmark 2018 UNODC and Nigerian Bureau of Statistics survey estimated that 14.4 percent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 approximately 14.3 million people used psychoactive substances in the past year, nearly three times the global average of 5.6 percent. Commonly abused substances include cannabis, non-medical prescription opioids like tramadol and codeine, and cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphan. Cannabis remains the most widely used, followed by these opioids.
Nigeria has witnessed surging prevalence of dangerous concoctions such as “Monkey Tail” a local mixture of homemade gin and cannabis components posing grave health risks. According to NDLEA records, one in seven Nigerians (approx. 14 percent of those aged 15–64) uses drugs. Over a recent three-year period, the agency reported 57,792 suspected peddlers arrested, 10,572 convictions obtained, 22,047 addicts rehabilitated or counselled, and nearly 10 million kilograms of illicit drugs seized.
In 2024 alone, the NDLEA made 17,670 arrests, achieved 3,427 convictions, and seized over 2.7 million kilograms of banned substances underscoring the rapid escalation of the crisis. These alarming figures underline why Ikeja Centennial Lions Club’s initiative was so timely and crucial for public health and community wellbeing.
During the campaign, the Lions Club led an array of community-based interventions:
- Awareness sessions were held to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse and how addiction can devastate dreams and families.
- Free mental-health screenings and referrals were offered to individuals showing signs of substance misuse.
- The event facilitated connections with local rehabilitation services, making it easier for affected persons to access necessary support.
- Symbolic acts and testimonials from recovering individuals were included to inspire hope and encourage community support.
The Club President, Lion Oke Olusegun Joseph in his word said “We carried out this campaign because we believe that drugs destroy dreams, not just the dreams of individuals, but the collective dreams of our families, our community, and our Nation. When youth turn to substance abuse, we lose not only their potential but also future leaders. As Lions, our mandate is to serve and that means stepping up to protect lives, raise awareness, and create pathways for healing. We are committed to stamping out this scourge and reigniting the hope of a healthy, thriving Nigeria.”
Why the Campaign Mattered
Public safety and health: By bringing services and information directly into the community, the Club helped reduce barriers to treatment and prevention.
Youth empowerment: Targeted outreach highlighted alternatives to drug use and emphasized resilience in the face of adversity.
Awareness-raising: Engagement with families, schools, and local groups helped cultivate a broader culture of vigilance and empathy.
Ikeja Centennial Lions Club’s August initiative was a timely and impactful response to Nigeria’s escalating drug abuse crisis. With one in seven Nigerians affected and alarming increases in synthetic and prescription drug misuse, the campaign not only raised awareness but also connected vulnerable individuals with needed care. As Lion Oke Olusegun Joseph affirmed, the project reflected a commitment to preserve dreams, strengthen communities, and promote a healthier Nigeria.
