Prominent anti-drug ambassador and community leader, Chief Abiodun Lasile has urged global policymakers to fundamentally shift their approach toward proactive community education.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday, against the backdrop of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

This year’s global campaign is themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” and carries the direct rallying cry “Break the Cycle.”

Global leaders and communities are uniting to observe World Drug Day 2026 under a newly issued directive to heavily fund early intervention strategies rather than relying solely on law enforcement.

Chief Lasile, who is the Orunto Baalufe of Owu Kingdom, emphasized that pouring resources into youth development, mental health services, and family support systems is vastly more cost-effective and successful than attempting to treat addiction after it takes root.

“The evidence is indeed clear. Prevention is not only less costly than treatment—it is more effective. Every investment in education, family support, youth development, mental health services, and community awareness reduces the risk of substance abuse and strengthens the resilience of society.”

The traditional leader warned that illicit trafficking networks actively exploit vulnerable populations, destabilizing cross-border economies and fracturing the rule of law when local communities lack resilience.

While praising security agencies for directly confronting organized crime syndicates, Orunto Lasile noted that enforcement cannot succeed without simultaneously dismantling the social vulnerabilities that drive demand.

“As an Ambassador of WADA, I believe our response must extend beyond enforcement alone. While law enforcement agencies deserve our support for confronting traffickers and criminal syndicates, we must also tackle the social conditions that make individuals vulnerable to addiction. Prevention must become our first and strongest line of defence.”

The address uniquely highlighted the power of cultural institutions, calling on traditional and faith leaders to utilize long-standing community values to teach discipline and insulate the younger generation from exploitation.

Addressing parents and guardians directly, the ambassador stressed that consistent, approachable parental guidance serves as one of the single most effective shields against early substance abuse.

The global appeal concluded with a strong demand for governments to completely replace societal stigma and exclusion with robust rehabilitation access, mental health infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

Comrade Kunle Sodipo, popularly known as CKS, has launched a powerful new book titled “My Take” to help inspire citizens and fix the challenges facing Nigeria.

The book launch, held at the NUJ Secretariat, on Thursday, turned into an urgent call for youth reformation and a return to a strong reading culture.

Written by an experienced writer with over 200 global articles to his name, “My Take” looks at Nigeria’s issues in governance, economy, and culture.

Comrade Sodipo explained that his travels through Africa and Europe opened his eyes to how critical citizens are to building a great nation. 

Instead of just criticizing the government, his book offers practical solutions to make Nigeria economically sound, safe, and well-respected globally.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Kola Adesina, Head of Mass Communication Department at Crescent University, Abeokuta, praised the book.

He warned that social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, along with AI, are destroying the attention span and brainpower of young people.

Dr Adesina urged parents and schools to bring back moral education and the humanities, reminding youths that success requires hard work and reading, not instant gratification.

“My Take” is not a boring textbook, but a deeply personal and honest look at national life, inspired by the author’s father who always believed “Nigeria go better”.

It is a must-read for every Nigerian who wants to understand their role in moving the country forward.

Beyond writing and public speaking, Kunle Sodipo’s track record in Community Service through the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) stands him out amongst his peers as a standout social activist.

The book launch commanded the presence of friends, colleagues and associates from all walks of life.

The newly elected Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Comrade Olabode Farouq Success, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju.

The meeting, held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in Abeokuta, was aimed at fostering a robust relationship between the student leadership and the media to ensure accurate reportage of student affairs across the state.

During the visit, Comrade Olabode Farouq Success emphasized the weight of leadership and his commitment to restoring the integrity of the student movement.

He noted that his administration is focused on leaving a lasting legacy by shifting the narrative of student activism toward intellectual engagement and constructive dialogue.

He expressed a desire to work closely with the NUJ to amplify the voices of students and highlight the challenges they face within various ivory towers.

Addressing the historical context of the student movement, the JCC Chairman lamented that the system had become “bastardized” over the years, leading to a loss of respect for student leaders.

He vowed that under his watch, the JCC would reclaim its position as a formidable authority that government and school managements must negotiate with on equal footing. He stressed that his leadership would prioritize the welfare of Ogun State students above personal gain.

The Ogun NUJ Chairman, in his response, shared insights on the importance of individual responsibility in office. Drawing from the reflections of past leaders, he reminded the new JCC Chairman that while mentors offer wisdom, the ultimate success or failure of this administration rests solely on his shoulders.

He urged the student leader to avoid “voluntary slavery” to political interests and to maintain the independence of the NANS JCC.

The NUJ Chairman also highlighted that true leadership maturity is not dictated by age but by the “footprints” left behind through service and intelligence. He encouraged Comrade Olabode to be a leader of character, noting that the media would be watching closely to hold the administration accountable.

He promised that the NUJ would provide the necessary professional support to ensure that student-related news is handled with fairness and depth.

The visit concluded with a commitment from both parties to maintain an open line of communication for the benefit of the public. Comrade Olabode Farouq Success thanked the NUJ leadership for their fatherly advice and pledged to return in six months with a progress report on his achievements.

This partnership marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between the organized press and the largest student body in Ogun State.