ormer Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged young people across the country to avoid psychoactive drugs, stressing that they bring no benefit but lead only to destruction.
The former president made this call during the second edition of the “Fly Above The High” anti-drug campaign conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event, organized by the Recovery Advocacy Network, was attended by youths, students, mental health specialists, and policymakers.
Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the rising rates of drug use among Nigerian youth and the broader West African region. He recalled his time as Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation, where he learned of the alarming increase in drug consumption across the region.
“West Africa was once thought to be just a transit route for drugs, moving from Latin America to North America and Europe. But to our shock and dismay, we discovered that West Africa had become a major center for drug consumption,” Obasanjo said.
The former president added that the situation has only worsened over the past decade. He noted that the increasing drug use across Africa is not limited to any single country but is a growing problem that affects the continent as a whole.
Reflecting on his own youth, Obasanjo shared a personal story of how he once tried smoking but quickly recoiled after a severe coughing fit. He credited his swift decision to stop as the reason he never fell into addiction. “If I had persisted, I could have become addicted. Once you get involved, it is difficult to get out,” he warned.
Obasanjo urged Nigerian youth to stay away from drugs, insisting, “There’s nothing drug can do for you except destruction.”
In addition to his message of prevention, Obasanjo also called on society to show compassion towards individuals who are already struggling with addiction. He emphasized the importance of offering support to those who seek help, rather than stigmatizing them.
Dr. Kunle Adesina, the Managing Director of Serenity Royale Hospital, joined Obasanjo in addressing the drug crisis, revealing that an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians, or about 14.3% of the population, have used a substance in the past six months. Adesina also highlighted a concerning trend: one in five drug users in Nigeria is female.
“Addiction treatment must begin with prevention,” Dr. Adesina stressed. He urged the government and civil society to focus on education and awareness efforts, especially among young people, to ensure they understand the dangers of substance use before they start.
He also called for stronger legislation to reduce the availability of drugs in the country. According to Adesina, the easy access to substances is one of the key drivers of the growing drug crisis in Nigeria.
Dr. Samuel Abah, a mental health specialist, also spoke at the event, sharing his experiences working with those affected by drug addiction. He expressed concern that even those who are responsible for regulating and controlling drug use in the country often fall victim to addiction themselves.
“We must stand our ground and make it clear that drugs are not helpful—they are destructive. It is not just a form of temporary pleasure; it is a destructive pleasure,” Dr. Abah warned.
The event, which brought together various stakeholders, served as a platform to raise awareness about the growing problem of drug addiction in Nigeria and to advocate for stronger prevention and intervention measures. Obasanjo’s message resonated deeply with many in attendance, particularly the youth, who expressed their commitment to staying drug-free.
As the conversation around drug use and addiction continues to gain attention in Nigeria, Obasanjo’s call to action offers a crucial reminder of the importance of prevention and the need for a collective effort to address the crisis.
“Drugs may seem like a way to escape the pressures of life, but they lead only to pain and destruction,” Obasanjo concluded, urging the youth to find healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.
The “Fly Above The High” campaign continues to gain momentum, and its organizers hope that the conversations sparked by the conference will lead to greater awareness and action in combating the growing drug addiction crisis in Nigeria. The fight against drugs, as emphasized by Obasanjo and others, is one that requires not just individual commitment but also collective action from all levels of society.