The Drug Free Project Kicked Off in Ogbomosho on June 26 to Mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse

In a bold and timely response to the growing crisis of substance abuse among young people and working populations across Nigeria, the Drug Free Project was launched officially yesterday, June 26, 2025, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

The launch coincides with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reinforcing the project’s commitment to building a healthier, drug-free Nigeria.

The Drug Free Project is a nationwide movement focused on prevention, education, advocacy, recovery, rehabilitation guidance, mental health support, skills empowerment, and sustained community partnerships.

With a vision where no one dies from drug abuse and young people are equipped to make informed, healthier choices, the initiative seeks to transform the culture around drugs through awareness, empowerment, and multi-sectoral collaboration.

Nigeria is currently facing a substance abuse crisis that cuts across age groups, social classes, and regions.

From the rising number of teenagers experimenting with drugs to growing addiction among professionals, the situation is urgent. Yet, access to mental health and rehabilitation support remains limited.

The Drug Free Project aims to fill this critical gap by dismantling the stigma and glamorisation of drug culture in media and communities, improving access to help, and offering sustained support at the community level.

As part of its national agenda, the Drug Free Project is targeting a wide-reaching and impactful set of goals.

The movement aims to reach at least 20 million Nigerians through mass media campaigns, while conducting sensitisation visits to 100 educational institutions across the country, including universities, polytechnics, and secondary schools.

It also seeks to establish 100 workplace partnerships to implement structured, drug-free workplace policies and secure 1 million public pledges from individuals committing to a drug-free lifestyle.

Beyond prevention, the project is committed to supporting recovery, to guide at least 100 individuals through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

A vital part of the initiative is a grassroots network of 1,000 active volunteer groups on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.

The project also prioritises engagement with religious, traditional, and community leaders to foster safe, drug-free environments at every level of society.

Through strategic partnerships with local and international agencies, NGOs, and private organisations, the Drug Free Project is positioning itself for maximum reach and enduring impact.

These goals reflect a clear and long-term vision: to create sustainable, community-driven solutions to Nigeria’s growing substance abuse challenge.

The rollout began in Ogbomosho ahead of the official launch.

The Drug Free Project team has been actively engaging key institutions, schools, and stakeholders across the city to build momentum and ensure grassroots participation.

On Tuesday, June 24, the team received a warm welcome at the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, where His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, gave his endorsement of the project, a powerful symbol of traditional support for a healthier, drug free society; paid a courtesy call to the NDLEA office, and visited Zoe Schools.

On Wednesday, June 25, the project held sensitisation sessions at Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso Grammar School, and Soun Grammar School, directly engaging students in meaningful conversations around drug prevention.

The team also met with top officials at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, led by Professor Adepoju Tunde Joseph Ogunkunle, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategy and Development), and Professor Dauda Olurotimi Araromi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Innovations), to explore meaningful collaboration within the university system.

Yesterday, to mark the official launch and the International Day Against Drug Abuse, the team joined the NDLEA for a Drug Free Awareness Walk through Ogbomosho.

Media engagements followed, including a live feature on Ajilete FMand a scheduled appearance on NTA Ogbomosho.

The engagements continue today, Friday, June 27, with special radio features to broaden the project’s reach and deepen public awareness.

The team will be live on Parrot FM from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and later on Brave FM from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, reinforcing the message of prevention, recovery, and collective action for a drug-free Nigeria.

The project’s implementation model, Educate, Engage, Empower, Support, Sustain, guides all its interventions.

Activities under this model include mass media campaigns via radio, television, podcasts, and social platforms; school outreach programmes and the establishment of positive peer influence clubs; workplace mental health sensitisation and the development of drug-free policies; and community and faith-based mobilisation efforts.

The project also provides recovery support through signposting, counselling, and reintegration programmes; skills training in technology, entrepreneurship, and vocational crafts; as well as a branded merchandise linethat supports both advocacy and social enterprise.

“This is more than a campaign,” says Dr. Ifeoluwayimika Bamidele, Chief Impact Officer of The Drug Free Project. “It’s a national call to conscience – to protect our youth, support recovery, and reshape the narrative around drug use in Nigeria.”

Stakeholders, government institutions, NGOs, faith-based organisations, corporate bodies, and concerned citizens are invited to join the movement, whether by partnering, volunteering, or donating towards this vital cause.