The Provost of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (Ibadan Campus), Professor Gbolagade Abiodun Taiwo, has called for early and targeted drug abuse education for young people, stressing that prevention must begin at the foundational stages of childhood.
He stated this at the Odo-Ona Nla Youth Summit held on December 11, 2025 at the Fermentary Hall of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.
Represented by a public administrator and political analyst, Wahab Yusuf, Professor Gbolagade said traditional approaches to drug education often fail to reach children at the most formative periods of their development.
He urged the introduction of structured, age-appropriate health and wellness programmes in schools to equip children with critical thinking skills needed to resist peer pressure.
The don added that discussions on drug abuse must reflect the experiences of both boys and girls, noting that female involvement is often overlooked.
He said, he would ensure that all perspectives are considered in developing lasting solutions.
Prof. Gbolagade further encouraged the establishment of support groups featuring individuals who have overcome substance abuse, arguing that their lived experiences could inspire empathy and offer valuable guidance to younger audiences.
Calling for stronger collaboration, he said: “If the NDLEA leads the charge, then the community must rally around them with supportive, workable strategies.”
He urged schools, parents, community organisations and security agencies to pool resources to develop localised interventions, advocating greater funding for mental health services and rehabilitation centres, warning that unresolved trauma and mental health disorders often drive substance abuse.
Professor Gbolagade recommended regular workshops and seminars to empower young people to take leadership roles in drug education campaigns, thereby strengthening their values and sense of responsibility.
Representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), SN (Mrs) Kolawole Esther commended the community for its proactive stance. She reiterated the agency’s readiness to partner with local groups, saying drug abuse requires a broad strategy beyond enforcement.
She highlighted ongoing NDLEA initiatives, including school-based awareness campaigns and the expansion of rehabilitation centres to support recovery.
“Together, we can make a significant impact. It will take all of us, community members, parents, educators and law enforcement, to build a safer future for our children,” she said.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Idi Ayunre, Mr Haruna Akinwande, condemned drug abuse as destructive and recounted his own journey of resilience.
He cautioned young people against idolising negative role models and lamented the deaths of youths who had fallen victim to drug use, calling for a revival of strong moral values and urged the community to foster an environment that discourages substance abuse.
Delivering a goodwill message, SC Folarin of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oluyole Divisional Command, drew attention to the summit’s focus on drug and alcohol addiction among Nigerian youths.
He identified peer pressure, unemployment and misleading social media content as major drivers of substance abuse.
Folarin called for greater community participation and youth empowerment, assuring that the NSCDC would continue working with other agencies to tackle the crisis.
Dignitaries present included Chief Emmanuel Aderemi Bello, Baale of Odo-Ona Nla Community; SN (Mrs) Kolawole Esther, representing the NDLEA State Commander; Mr Haruna Akinwande, DPO, Idi Ayunre Division; ASC I Oladiji Mary Oluwabunmi, representing NSCDC, Oluyole Local Government; Hon James Adeleke, Chairman of the Occasion and former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Oluyole Local Government; Mr Onatunde Onanuga, representing the Acting Executive Director of CRIN and host of the programme; Chief (Alhaja) Saudat Olaoluwa, Iyalode of Odo-Ona Nla Community; Mr Ojo Joshua Olutayo, Health, Safety and Environment Specialist and Guest Speaker; and Mrs C.O. Oloyede, Headmistress, St Michael Catholic Primary School, Odo-Ona Nla, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan.
