The Stella Heart Foundation has launched a major anti-drug abuse awareness and public enlightenment campaign in Lokoja, with a N5 million scholarship support package from the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, as part of activities marking his 60th birthday.

The event, held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, took place at the Adankolo Campus Auditorium of Federal University Lokoja, brought together government officials, academics, health professionals, civil society advocates, students and community stakeholders in a united effort to combat substance abuse among young people.

The campaign, themed "Rise Up, Stay Free," focuses on equipping pre-teens and teenagers with the knowledge, resilience and support needed to resist drug abuse and make healthy life choices.

Speaking at the event, the Convener and Director of the Stella Heart Foundation, Mrs. Stella Monisola Ibileye, said the organisation was established to promote health awareness, support mental well-being, and educate communities on the dangers of substance abuse among young people.

She explained that the foundation draws inspiration from the values of compassion, leadership and service exemplified by Prof. Ibileye throughout his life and career.

According to her, society can only thrive when young people are equipped with the right values, guidance and opportunities to make responsible decisions.

Mrs. Ibileye urged young people to stay away from destructive habits and embrace a future built on discipline, purpose and positive choices.

She noted that true success should not be measured by personal accomplishments alone but by the positive impact made in the lives of others.

In his remarks, Prof. Ibileye announced a N5 million scholarship support package to strengthen the foundation's grassroots interventions among vulnerable youths.

The Vice Chancellor shared his personal story of growing up as the son of a palmwine tapper and a kiosk trader, stressing that circumstances of birth should never define the future of any individual.

He told the audience that he voluntarily stopped drinking palmwine in 1979 without external pressure, using the experience to challenge young people to exercise self-discipline and take responsibility for their decisions.

Prof. Ibileye warned against substance abuse and urged youths to protect their future from habits capable of destroying their dreams and potential.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of Federal University Lokoja, pledging to devote his energy, experience and network to the continued growth of the institution throughout the remainder of his tenure.

The event featured expert presentations on the dangers of substance abuse and the pathways to recovery.

Public health expert, Dr. Adekunle Adesina, delivered a technical presentation on the biological and social dimensions of addiction. He explained that teenagers are significantly more vulnerable to substance dependence than adults and outlined the progression from experimentation and peer influence to addiction, withdrawal and long-term health consequences.

Also speaking, addiction recovery advocate, Donald Obinna Chukwuma, delivered a presentation titled "From Addiction to Freedom." Using a personal life experience, he cautioned young people against the temptation of drugs, noting that a moment of pleasure can result in years of pain and regret.

A major highlight of the programme was the anti-drug abuse awareness presentations by participating secondary schools. Students delivered messages, advocacy talks and educational presentations aimed at discouraging substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among young people.

Participating schools included Faith Academy, Government Science Secondary School, GYB Model Secondary School, St. Luke's Model Academy, Kings and Queens Barracks School, Confluence International Academy, Lokoja, NCCB Lokoja, Nurun Mubeen International College, Government Secondary School Kabawa, FUL International College, Harmony Secondary School, and Global Credence Academy.

The presentations reinforced the campaign's core message of prevention, self-discipline and responsible decision-making among young people.

In a message of goodwill, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, represented by Hon. Oluseyi Kelvin Eleta, Senior Special Assistant on Internet Fraud and Related Matters to Kogi State governor, commended the launch of the foundation and described its focus on youth development and social responsibility as timely and commendable.

He praised the organisers for using a milestone birthday celebration to address a pressing social challenge and reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Government to creating an enabling environment for youth development.

Hon. Eleta further encouraged the foundation to broaden its advocacy efforts to include awareness campaigns against internet fraud and other emerging social challenges confronting young people.

He also applauded the official launch of the foundation and commended its commitment to promoting healthy living, responsible citizenship and youth empowerment.

In her goodwill message also, Executive Director of the Challenge Parenthood Initiative, Madam Stella Abimbola Agbogun, who also represented the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, described the campaign as a timely intervention in view of the growing prevalence of substance abuse among young people.

She called for stronger collaboration among families, government institutions and civil society organisations to address the challenge and pledged support for the foundation's programmes.

The event attracted strong institutional support from the Federal University Lokoja community and other stakeholders.

Among guests in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. S. D. Musa; Acting Provost, College of Health Sciences, Dr. Mary Ojonema Onoja Alexander; Prof. Benjamin Mopah Dauda and spouse; Prof. Olatunde Ayodabo; Head of Academic Services, Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Afolabi; 

Others also include Director General, Kogi Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency, Hon. Victor Omofaiye; Managing Director of Graphic Newspaper and Kogi State Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Y. J. Itopa; Director of University Health Services, Dr. Chinenye Oche Otorkpa; representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Yakubu Momoh; school administrators, teachers, and students from participating institutions.

The launch of the Stella Heart Foundation and its anti-drug campaign marked a significant step in efforts to promote healthier lifestyles, strengthen youth development, and build a society free from the devastating effects of substance abuse. See more pictures here

© Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation
Federal University Lokoja