NIGERIAN ONLINE MEDIA ALLIANCE LEADS CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AHEAD OF WORLD DRUG DAY

NIGERIAN ONLINE MEDIA ALLIANCE LEADS CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AHEAD OF WORLD DRUG DAY

By Jennifer Nwosu 

As part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, celebrated globally on June 26th, the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) joined the worldwide campaign to combat substance abuse through strategic media advocacy and public enlightenment.

The event served as a platform for journalists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, security agencies and other stakeholders to examine the growing threat of drug abuse and illicit trafficking while reinforcing the media's role in shaping public awareness and driving social change.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Online Media Alliance, Theresa Moses, described drug abuse as a major impediment to productivity and national development, affecting individuals across all social classes, age groups and genders. She emphasized the critical role of journalists in addressing the challenge through timely, accurate and responsible reporting that highlights the realities of substance abuse and amplifies voices advocating positive change.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Obafemi Ademuyiwa commended the organizers for providing a platform to spotlight the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He noted that substance abuse continues to fuel crime, social instability and mental health challenges, stressing that government efforts alone are insufficient without sustained public engagement.

He underscored the importance of the media in promoting messages of hope, supporting rehabilitation efforts and encouraging responsible reporting that advances positive societal values. According to him, Lagos State remains committed to building a drug-free society through strategic communication and public education initiatives that inspire behavioural change.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, described drug abuse as a global public health concern requiring collective action. He highlighted statistics indicating that approximately 14 per cent of Nigeria's population is affected by substance abuse.

Dr. Owoeye outlined the hospital's contributions to mental health care, treatment, rehabilitation and professional capacity building. He disclosed that the institution has successfully trained and certified more than 1,200 individuals in mental health management and substance abuse interventions. He also acknowledged the media's significant role in educating the public and promoting preventive measures through informed and balanced reporting.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Dr. L.O. Kotun stated that the state government has implemented various measures to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking, including legislative frameworks, support systems and emergency response channels.

He urged journalists and other gatekeepers of information to focus on educating the public about the consequences of substance abuse while providing pathways to treatment and recovery. He further advised media practitioners to avoid stigmatizing victims and instead adopt ethical reporting standards, rely on credible data from relevant agencies and ensure that their stories reflect community realities and encourage social inclusion.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) stressed the influence of journalists in shaping public perception and understanding of substance abuse. She noted that an estimated 14.4 per cent of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 65 had used psychotropic substances within the previous year, with many developing dependency-related conditions.

Despite the criminal, medical and social consequences associated with drug abuse, she observed that the problem continues to grow. Dr. Koyejo advocated for preventive strategies centred on emotional support, life skills development, health literacy, community-based support systems and responsible media engagement.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), was represented by the agency's Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy, Rita Geh. In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf, Marwa noted that current projections indicate Africa could witness a 40 per cent increase in drug use by 2030 if urgent interventions are not intensified.

He highlighted the agency's achievements in combating drug-related crimes, including the arrest of more than 77,000 suspects, the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and opioids and the dismantling of major criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.

Marwa stressed that the fight against drug abuse requires collaboration among governments, communities, civil society organizations and the media. He reaffirmed the NDLEA's commitment to strengthening partnerships with journalists and expanding advocacy initiatives through schools, communities and programmes such as the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

The event attracted a broad spectrum of participants, including media professionals, public health experts, security agencies, development partners and advocacy groups, all united in the shared objective of promoting a healthier, safer and drug-free society.