Inside the Chairman’s Chamber of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, a new front line opened in the battle for Ajegunle’s future. The occasion was the official press conference of the War Against Drug Abuse campaign, themed “High on Life, Not Drugs”, an initiative powered by JPosh Africa to confront the escalating scourge of substance abuse among young people.
Setting the tone for the day was serial comedian, Godspower popularly known as Koded Laff. With clarity, he welcomed stakeholders, media partners, and community leaders to what he described as “a defining conversation for our generation.”
A Movement, Not a Moment:
Convener, Jennifer Onah took the podium and immediately framed the urgency of the gathering. She acknowledged the presence of key signatories, notably Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe, Executive Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, and Hon. Sabur Akanbi Oluwa, Member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“This initiative was founded with a clear and urgent mission,” Mrs. Onah stated. “To combat the rising tide of drug abuse among young people and to restore hope, purpose and direction in vulnerable communities.”
“We are driven by the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment, free from the grip of substance abuse.”
She emphasized that “High on Life, Not Drugs” transcends a one-off event. “It is a movement,” she declared. “Designed to directly engage young people, parents, and community leaders in open, honest conversations about drug abuse.”
The campaign’s architecture is multi-pronged: interactive sessions in schools and neighborhoods, community awareness walks, free medical screenings, confidential counseling opportunities, and testimonial talks from individuals who have overcome addiction. The goal is simple — prevention through education, intervention through access.
Local Government Backs the Fight:
Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe, Executive Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, commended the proactiveness of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and paid tribute to the efforts of its commander. He urged citizens to take personal responsibility in steering children and wards away from drugs and illicit activities.
The Chairman outlined ongoing measures by the Council to curb illicit drug use and called for sustained enlightenment through platforms like JPosh Africa’s initiative. In a direct appeal to moral institutions, he said: “I beckon on our churches and mosques to also preach the gospel of drug abuse. This is a spiritual, social, and economic battle.”
He concluded with a firm commitment: “I will continue to support this project.”
NDLEA: From Enforcement to Rehabilitation:
Representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, ACN Ebia Imoke Afenfia detailed the Agency’s rehabilitation protocols for drug users, moving the conversation beyond arrest statistics to recovery outcomes. Her appeal was sobering.
“We plead with this community to take this fight more seriously,” she said. “We must save our youths from this malady. The Agency cannot do it alone.”
A Lawmaker’s Hard Truths:
Hon. Sabur Akanbi Oluwa delivered an unfiltered assessment of the crisis. “A drug-using population is not a productive one,” he began.
He warned of the social contagion of substance abuse. “People who are users tend to lure others into usage. That is why we must keep talking, keep enlightening. For that reason, I will continually support the conveners to reduce the number of drug users in our society.”
Hon. Sabur dismantled the myth of “casual use.” He noted that many addicts begin socially, unaware they are crossing a line until dependency sets in. “The downside is when they use the drugs, they don’t remain useful,” he said. “We must go to the foundation to fight this menace that is currently bedevilling us as a people.”
He called for targeted outreach in primary schools and entertainment hubs — two environments where exposure often begins. He also urged residents to report drug peddlers without fear.
Addressing government’s response, Hon. Sabur was candid: prevalence rates have increased, with unemployment serving as a major accelerant. He disclosed that the government had convened multiple security meetings with all agencies specifically on drug abuse.
“These issues need to be addressed from the source,” he asserted, citing the demolition of Gida, a notorious drug den in Agbo Malu, as evidence of political will. “Those drug addicts have become so bold. The local government needs to do so much more to curb the menace. The people of Ajegunle need to be united in this fight.”
The Sustainability Question:
On long-term impact, Convener Jennifer Onah was direct. “There is still room for more partners,” she said. “We need resources for the creation of vocational centres that give young people alternatives to the streets.” She issued an open invitation to government agencies, corporate bodies, and private individuals: “It’s a call to everyone to come on board.”
In response, Hon. Sabur disclosed a critical asset: “Government has built a vocational centre in Tolu. It is waiting for utilisation.” The revelation shifts the conversation from planning to activation.
Conclusion: A United Front Emerges
The “High on Life, Not Drugs” press conference achieved more than media coverage. It produced alignment. From the Executive Chairman’s policy backing, to NDLEA’s rehabilitation framework, to legislative support and a ready-to-use vocational facility in Tolu, the pillars of a coordinated response are now visible.
JPosh Africa’s campaign has converted concern into structure. The next phase is community ownership.
As Lucee Akaedu closed the conference, her words echoed the day’s resolve: “Ajegunle’s beauty is not just in its pageants. It is in its young people. And we will fight for them to be high on life — and nothing else.”
Key Stakeholders Present:
1. Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe – Executive Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA
2. Hon. Sabur Akanbi Oluwa – Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Constituency 2
3. Jennifer Onah – Convener, JPosh Africa
4. ACN Ebia Imoke Afenfia – NDLEA Representative
5. Lucee Akaedu – CEO, O’Lucee Brands / Face of Ajegunle Beauty Pageant
6. Ambassador Isaac Success Omoyele – Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local chapter.
Next Steps Announced:
– Community awareness walks across Ajeromi-Ifelodun
– Free medical tests and counseling clinics
– Activation of Tolu Vocational Centre
– Partnership drive for vocational centre development
