By Oghenekevwe Laba
No fewer than one million Nigerians storm the street of Lagos campaigning against drug abuse. The event which was flagged off from Obalende was organized the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with Yinka Lawanson a.k.a Lamboginny, an anti-drug abuse Ambassador engaged celebrities in community mobilization against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse in Lagos.
In a carnival like rally, very respectful names in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Joke Silva, Laide Bakare, Rugged Man, Guiness Book of Record Dancer, Kafayat Shafau a.k.a kaffy, Adeyemi Adeosun popularly called Yemi Sax and broadcasters were among multitudes that sensitized Lagos residents on the dangers of narcotics.

According to the NDLEA, sixteen million Nigerians abuse cannabis also known as hemp. No fewer than ten million others use one narcotic drug or the other while about seven million are cocaine/heroin addicts. Drug abuse is increasing the number of mentally deranged youths, school drop-outs and increase in HIV/AIDS infections due to drug injection. Above all drug-related violence, terrorist acts, and drug induced crimes like rape; murder, armed robbery and suicide were also brought to the front burner at the sensitization rally.
Among the participants were members of the United States Consulate, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Red Cross Society, NDLEA and many more who came to show their support for the fight against drugs. The rally tagged One Million March Against Drug Abuse was flagged off at Obalende bus stop. Although it was a mixed gathering, the message from participants was Say No To Drugs.

Actress and director, Joke Silva said she was glad to add her voice to the campaign against drug trafficking and abuse. “Anybody that knows the fatal consequences of drugs will support this course. When I got invitation from Lamboginny to be part of this campaign, I was glad to accept knowing that it is a community development project” the ace actress stated.
It was a fulfilled dream for NDLEA anti-drug abuse Ambassador and Singer, Lamboginny. In his words, “I feel fulfilled that the walk is a huge success. This has always been my dream. When this people take this message to their respective communities, so much would have been achieved”.
The anti-drug Agency also did not conceal its satisfaction with the entire exercise. According to the NDLEA, “the Agency will continue to support quality initiative in advancing public education on the ills of drug production, trafficking and abuse. We educate members of the public through lectures and seminars. Today we are engaging disciplined and respected celebrities in the campaign against drugs. This will help to attract the attention of their fans in accepting our call for a peace and safe society”.
Some participants called on the NDLEA to ensure that such enlightenment efforts are carried out on regular basis.