The Drug Free World Africa (DFWA) organization recently held its official inauguration and launched its campaign activities against drug abuse in Abuja, Nigeria, alongside the production of its first educational workbook leaflet titled “Steering Dynamic Drug-Free Youth.” The event, themed “From Awareness to Action: Together We Can End Drug Abuse,” aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among young people.
In her remarks, the Country Director of Drug Free World Africa, Hon. Dr. Lina Ikereke, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing drug abuse, noting that the organization is committed to protecting young people and shaping a safer, better future for Africa.
According to Dr. Lina, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has consistently stressed the need for prevention, stating that investing in early intervention remains the most effective way to safeguard future generations from the scourge of drug abuse.
The convener reiterated the need for increased investment in prevention programs and highlighted the importance of sustained, long-term efforts to address the root causes of substance abuse.
In a keynote presentation, Senator Patrick Ndubueze called on parents to pay closer attention to their children’s mental health and maintain open communication, stressing the critical role parents play in preventing drug use.
Senator Ndubueze also underscored the importance of community engagement in the fight against drug abuse, emphasizing that collective action is essential to safeguarding young people and promoting a drug-free society.
Representing the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Dr. Etuka Chizoba reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ending drug abuse and substance misuse in Nigeria, expressing readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The event drew victims, students, and youth groups who participated in various discussions and activities focused on prevention, reinforcing the importance of engaging young people directly in the fight against substance abuse.
Statistics indicate that 44% of Nigeria’s population engages in substance use, with 77% of users being young people—figures that highlight the urgent need for action.
The launch emphasized the importance of a multi-layered approach involving families, schools, civil society, and local authorities, to effectively address the complex challenge of substance abuse.
Hon. Dr. Lina Ikereke noted that DFWA’s work since inception spans seven African countries and 23 states in Nigeria. The organization has engaged over 165 schools and more than 50 communities, trained over 50,000 teachers, delivered 25 school programs, held 35 parent–teacher workshops, and distributed more than one million educational booklets. It has also supported vulnerable children through rehousing initiatives. At the event, DFWA introduced 5,000 early-years drug education leaflets.
DFWA also unveiled its newest drug-abuse education workbook, “Steering Dynamic Drug-Free Youth,” designed to empower young people with knowledge and strengthen prevention efforts. The launch marks the beginning of a renewed, concerted push to confront drug abuse in Nigeria. With collective action, stakeholders believe a brighter, drug-free future for the nation’s youth is within reach.
Blessed-Chinatu Orji
