By Joy Omagha Idam
Across Nigeria, the devastating effects of drug abuse are no longer confined to rehabilitation centres or crime reports. They are increasingly evident in homes where parents struggle to understand their children’s changing behaviour, schools grappling with rising cases of substance misuse, and communities witnessing the social and economic toll of addiction. Yet, amid these challenges, experts insist that the most powerful solution may not lie in enforcement alone, but in the family.
This message resonated strongly at the maiden Drug-Free Future Summit (DFFS) 2026, organised by the Balm for the Bruised Foundation (BFBF) at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Press Centre in Abuja. Held under the theme, “Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Families Against Drug Abuse,” the summit brought together policymakers, academics, security agencies, media practitioners, development partners and civil society organisations to chart a new course in the campaign against substance abuse.
More than just an awareness event, the summit marked the official launch of the Balm for the Bruised Foundation and celebrated the 50th birthday of its founder, Princess Ekwi Ajide, whose passion for addressing the growing drug crisis inspired the initiative.
Delivering the welcome address, Princess Ajide described drug abuse as one of Nigeria’s most urgent social challenges, affecting families emotionally, psychologically and economically. She noted that while treatment and rehabilitation remain essential, prevention offers the greatest opportunity to protect future generations.
According to her, parents, teachers, faith-based organisations, community leaders and government institutions all have critical roles to play in raising children who are equipped with the right values, emotional support and resilience to resist the lure of drugs.
She explained that the foundation was established to build stronger families, empower young people and create communities where hope triumphs over addiction.
The event also witnessed the launch of her new book, “Impending Crisis: Drug Use Among Women in Nigeria,” a publication that draws attention to the rising incidence of substance abuse among women while advocating stronger research, responsive policies and gender-sensitive interventions.
Providing deeper insight into the causes of drug abuse, the keynote speaker and Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Professor May Ifeoma Nwoye, challenged the common perception that addiction is simply the result of poor choices.
She explained that many young people are pushed towards substance abuse by emotional pain, family instability, unemployment, peer influence, mental health struggles and the absence of positive role models. These underlying issues, she argued, demand preventive interventions that focus on education, counselling, mentorship and youth empowerment rather than condemnation.
Professor Nwoye urged governments, schools, parents, religious institutions and community organisations to invest more deliberately in programmes that strengthen families, promote mental wellness and provide young people with opportunities to thrive.
Offering the law enforcement perspective, Deputy Commander of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr. Aliyu Omama, said the agency’s work has evolved beyond arrests and drug seizures to embrace prevention, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and the reintegration of individuals recovering from substance dependence.
He encouraged families to seek professional assistance instead of hiding relatives battling addiction, noting that many lives have been successfully rebuilt through the agency’s rehabilitation programmes.
The summit also drew goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku; National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim; and Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
They unanimously called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, schools, media organisations, civil society groups, traditional rulers and faith-based organisations to sustain public awareness campaigns, strengthen family support systems, expand access to treatment and rehabilitation services, and encourage behavioural change through responsible communication.
For many participants, the summit served as a reminder that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by government agencies alone. Families remain the first classroom where values are taught, behaviours are shaped and early warning signs can be identified.
The programme concluded with participants taking a Drug-Free Pledge, affirming their commitment to reject substance abuse, resist negative peer pressure, support individuals seeking recovery without stigma and become advocates for healthier communities.
Among those present were representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Women Against Substance Abuse (WANSA), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), academics, students, development partners, faith-based organisations and community leaders.
As Nigeria continues to confront the growing threat of substance abuse, one message echoed throughout the summit: lasting solutions begin at home. Strong families, informed communities and collective responsibility remain the foundation upon which a drug-free future can be built.