The League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse (LESPADA) has concluded 2025 with remarkable achievements in drug abuse prevention, community sensitisation, and policy advocacy, reaffirming its commitment to building a drug-free society across Nigeria.
In its 2025 Year in Review, the organisation highlighted a series of impactful interventions carried out in schools, communities, media spaces, and policy circles, despite facing funding and logistical challenges.
According to the Executive Director, Amb. Maryam Hassan, LESPADA conducted 42 school sensitisation programmes across secondary and tertiary institutions during the year. The sessions utilised The Truth About Drugs educational materials, which were also translated into Hausa to enhance understanding and reach. To ensure sustainability, Drug-Free Clubs were established in all 42 schools, empowering students to lead peer-to-peer advocacy against substance abuse.
Beyond schools, LESPADA implemented 18 community outreach campaigns, working closely with religious leaders, traditional rulers, and grassroots groups to spread anti-drug messages at the community level. The organisation also carried out 10 advocacy visits to strategic institutions, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and local vigilante groups, to strengthen collaboration on drug demand reduction.
The year also saw LESPADA’s presence at five conferences, where it presented grassroots realities and policy recommendations, as well as nine media engagements on television and radio platforms such as Rayuwa 360, Radio Kano, and Premier FM, amplifying public awareness on drug prevention.
In addition, the organisation facilitated eight referrals for individuals struggling with substance abuse, linking them to rehabilitation, counselling, or family support services. LESPADA also received six courtesy visits from grassroots organisations seeking partnership and capacity building in the fight against drug abuse.
On the policy front, LESPADA submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly, advocating for sustainable government support for drug demand reduction programmes and the expansion of rehabilitation services nationwide.
Amb. Hassan acknowledged the support of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Africa and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, noting that thousands of The Truth About Drugs booklets and branded T-shirts were distributed during the year, significantly boosting the organisation’s visibility and credibility.
Despite these gains, LESPADA identified key challenges, including limited transportation for rural outreach, inadequate funding for materials and volunteer stipends, insufficient printing support for Hausa-translated educational materials, high demand from unreached schools and communities, and limited access to rehabilitation centres—particularly for women and girls.
As the organisation looks ahead to 2026, LESPADA has issued a call for support to government agencies, development partners, corporate sponsors, media houses, and concerned citizens to contribute through funding, logistics, media partnerships, and rehabilitation initiatives.
“We remain deeply grateful to our volunteers, coordinators, partners, and supporters who stood with us throughout 2025,” Amb. Hassan said. “Together, we will win the war against drug abuse.”
LESPADA expressed optimism for a peaceful, prosperous, and drug-free 2026, reaffirming its resolve to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the coming year.
*LESPADA Records Major Milestones in 2025, Reinforces Commitment to Drug-Free Society*
