‘I Could Have Fallen into Drug Addiction’ – Obasanjo Reflects on His Past, Warns Youths
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a strong warning to Nigerian youths about the dangers of drug use and abuse, stressing that such habits contribute nothing positive to life but instead lead to severe destruction.
He made this statement during the second edition of the “Fly Above The High” anti-drug campaign conference, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo called on young people to exercise self-control and resist the temptation of drugs, emphasizing the alarming rise of drug abuse not only in Nigeria but across West Africa. He pointed out that the region, once a mere transit point for illicit drugs, has now become a significant center of drug consumption. Reflecting on his experience as the Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation, he expressed deep concern over the growing crisis.
“Over a decade ago, when we conducted our research, we were shocked to discover that West Africa had become a major hub for drug consumption, not just trafficking. This situation has only worsened since then. The same patterns we see in West Africa are now spreading across the rest of Africa,” Obasanjo remarked, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.
The former president also shared a personal story from his youth, revealing how an early experiment with smoking could have led to addiction. He recalled how a brief attempt at smoking, which caused him to cough uncontrollably, discouraged him from continuing. “If I had persisted, I could have easily become addicted. Once you start, it’s incredibly difficult to stop,” he said, underscoring the importance of making wise choices from the beginning.
In his speech, Obasanjo reiterated that drugs offer no benefits and only bring harm to individuals and communities. “There is nothing that drugs can provide except destruction,” he warned. He also encouraged those already struggling with addiction to seek help and avoid hiding in shame, calling on society to support recovery without stigmatizing those affected.
Obasanjo’s message was directed not only to the youths present at the conference but also to students, mental health professionals, and policymakers, urging a collective effort to tackle the growing drug crisis and protect future generations from its devastating impact.
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