Experts Advocate Education, Mentorship, Strong Family Values at 2026 Anti-Drug Summit

By Harriet Tornguvan 

Stakeholders in the fight against substance abuse have called for greater investment in education, mentorship and family support systems as critical tools for preventing drug abuse among young people, declaring that the battle against addiction must begin in homes, schools and communities.

The call was made at the Balm for the Bruised Foundation Annual Drug Free Future Summit (DFFS) 2026, held on Friday under the theme, "Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Families Against Drug Abuse."

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. May Ifeoma Nwoye described drug abuse as a growing national concern that extends beyond public health, stressing that it threatens the future of Nigeria by destroying the dreams and potential of millions of young people.

She observed that many young people who fall into substance abuse are often not seeking self destruction but are instead searching for acceptance, emotional relief or an escape from difficult circumstances.

According to her, factors such as peer pressure, family instability, emotional distress, unemployment and the absence of positive role models continue to expose young people to the dangers of drug abuse.

Prof. Nwoye identified education as the nation's first line of defence against substance abuse, noting that quality education equips young people with knowledge, critical thinking skills and sound judgement needed to resist harmful influences.

She explained that educated youths are better positioned to understand the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse, reject misinformation, make responsible decisions, build confidence and pursue aspirations that discourage destructive behaviour.

The professor also highlighted mentorship as an indispensable complement to education, saying that positive mentors provide young people with guidance, encouragement and practical examples of responsible living.

She noted that effective mentoring helps youths develop resilience, discipline, integrity and accountability while enabling them to overcome setbacks and resist negative peer pressure.

"Young people who enjoy positive mentoring relationships often feel valued and supported, making them less vulnerable to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drug abuse," she said.

Describing drug abuse as "interrupted dreams," Prof. Nwoye lamented that addiction continues to tear families apart, force brilliant students out of school, rob talented athletes of opportunities and deprive communities of productive citizens.

"Every young person trapped by addiction once had a dream. Our responsibility is to protect those dreams," she stated.

She further advocated sustained public awareness campaigns through television, radio, social media and community outreach to educate Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse and cultism while helping parents and teachers recognise early warning signs.

The keynote speaker stressed that tackling drug abuse requires a collective effort involving parents, schools, religious organisations, community leaders, government institutions and the media.

She urged parents to maintain open communication with their children, provide emotional support and lead by example, while encouraging schools to strengthen counselling services, integrate drug education into academic curricula and expand extracurricular activities that promote leadership and talent development.

Prof. Nwoye also called on government at all levels to invest in quality education, youth employment, mental health services, sports, skills acquisition and rehabilitation programmes for individuals battling addiction.

She added that religious organisations and community groups should provide mentorship, moral guidance and safe recreational spaces where young people can develop healthy relationships and positive values.

The media, she noted, must continue to promote positive values, correct misinformation and highlight stories of recovery rather than glamorising substance abuse.

As part of efforts to deepen collaboration, she recommended regular seminars, workshops and leadership programmes involving law enforcement agencies and educational institutions to strengthen preventive strategies.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Nwoye reminded participants that Nigeria's future would not be determined solely by government policies but by everyday interactions in homes, classrooms, sports fields, places of worship and communities.

"Education illuminates the mind. Mentorship strengthens the heart. Together, they build character. Character builds responsible citizens, and responsible citizens build great nations," she declared.

She urged Nigerians to raise a generation that embraces purpose over pressure, discipline over distraction, integrity over impulse and hope over despair.

The summit concluded with a stirring call to action urging greater investment not only in physical infrastructure but also in the minds, character and aspirations of young Nigerians through quality education, intentional mentorship and collective responsibility.

A major highlight of the event was the administration of the Drug Free Pledge led by the summit convener, Princess Ekwi, during which participants pledged to reject drug abuse, resist negative peer pressure, support individuals seeking recovery without stigma and become ambassadors for a drug-free Nigeria.

The annual summit reaffirmed the growing consensus among stakeholders that breaking the cycle of drug abuse requires empowered families, informed communities and sustained partnerships dedicated to protecting the next generation.