On Thursday May 21, 2026, the fight against drug trafficking in Lagos took a decisive grassroots turn as the Online Reporters Association of Nigeria, ORAN, hosted the seminar “Youths Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking” at Anthony Village High Senior School.
The hall was packed with students, parents, teachers, and members of the school’s old students association.
Organizers framed the event not as a routine lecture but as a mobilization, delivering one clear message: the future of Kosofe depends on stopping drug abuse before it takes root in the next generation.
The seminar was made possible through collaboration between, Online Reporters Association of Nigeria, ORAN, NDLEA , Kosofe Local Government, and the Anthony Village High School Management.
ORAN, as the convener, brought together law enforcement, legal experts, and community leaders for a unified front.
The event received direct support from the Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, whose administration has prioritized youth protection and public safety.
Organizers described the partnership as a shift from reactive enforcement toward preventive, community-based interventions that address the problem at its source.
Leading the charge was the NDLEA Lagos State Command, represented by Deputy Commander Narcotic, GA Adejumoh, on behalf of Commander Abubakar Wali.
He gave a sobering overview of the drug abuse and trafficking landscape in Lagos and across Nigeria.
Using data and real-world case studies, he showed how traffickers target vulnerable youths through peer pressure, social media, and false promises of quick wealth.
His charge to the students was simple: recognize the early warning signs and see yourselves as frontline defenders of your communities.
Legal practitioner Barrister Adewale Lawal broke down the legal framework governing drug offenses in Nigeria.
He explained the consequences of trafficking under the law, the rights of citizens during arrest and prosecution, and the importance of due process.
The session became highly interactive when students asked pointed questions about police conduct, bail conditions, and the balance between rehabilitation and incarceration.
Lawal stressed that ignorance of the law is no defense, but justice must also be fair and evidence-based.
A recurring theme was why youths are mostly targeted by drug sellers and trafficking syndicates.
Speakers pointed to economic hardship, peer influence, and limited access to mentorship as key vulnerabilities. But the narrative quickly shifted to empowerment.
Speakers argued that with the right information, networks, and leadership, youths are the most effective solution.
They can disrupt recruitment chains and become peer educators in schools and neighborhoods across Kosofe, turning vulnerability into vigilance.
Unlike traditional seminars, the event prioritized participation.
Students engaged in role-playing scenarios, debated real-life dilemmas, Scenarios included what to do if a friend is started acting suspiciously, and how to report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal.
Organizers and speakers said this format will help demystify the issue and equipped students with practical, safe responses.
The Principal of Anthony Village High School, also raised serious concern over open sale of harmful substance and alcoholic drinks all over the place. Calling on relevant authorities to look into it.
For many attendees, the seminar set a new standard for addressing drug trafficking at the community level.
By bringing together law enforcement, legal experts, local government, and the media, ORAN created a model that blends enforcement, policy, and education.
As Nigeria grapples with a wider drug crisis, Kosofe’s approach suggests that the most effective defense may start not in courtrooms, but in classrooms and youth spaces.
The event drew a strong showing from the media space. In attendance were ORAN President and Publisher of WWW.CONFIRMNEWS.COM.NG, Mr. Adegbola Shehu Tijani, ORAN Vice President, Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuma; ORAN General Secretary and Publisher of Bottomline News, Mr. Arthur Igbolaju Richard; ORAN Treasurer, Mrs. Titi Akimbo; as well as Mr. Peter Shegun Iruobe, Shola Adeboyeku, Bisola Osuntubo, Ganiyat Bakare and Mr. Christian Izuchukwu, Quadri Olowolagba.
Their presence underscored the role of the media in amplifying youth-focused advocacy.
