Former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria has opened up about how he came dangerously close to becoming addicted to drugs in his youth.

He shared this personal revelation in Abeokuta while addressing attendees at the second edition of the ‘Fly Above The High’ anti-drug campaign conference.

The event was organized by the Recovery Advocacy Network, a group committed to combating the growing menace of drug abuse in the country.

Reflecting on his past, Obasanjo revealed that his youthful experimentation with smoking led to a troubling period of chronic coughing.

According to him, what seemed like a harmless act at first could have easily spiraled into a full-blown addiction had he not stopped.

Sharing this personal struggle, he warned young Nigerians about the dangers of drug abuse and emphasized its destructive nature.

He noted that while drug users might initially believe substances provide an escape or enhancement, they ultimately lead to ruin.

He further explained that addiction is not just difficult to escape but often comes with long-lasting consequences.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted,” he said, stressing that once a person falls into the trap of substance abuse, it becomes an uphill battle to break free.

Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the rising rates of drug abuse among Nigerians, particularly among students and young people.

He pointed out that drug abuse is not just a Nigerian problem but a growing crisis across West Africa.

He recalled that over a decade ago, West Africa was already becoming a hub for drug consumption, and the situation has since deteriorated.

“Whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa,” he added.

The former president also touched on the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding addiction.

He emphasized that those struggling with addiction need help and support rather than judgment.

Obasanjo urged families, communities, and governments to work together to create an environment where individuals battling addiction can seek help without fear of condemnation.

The anti-drug campaign in Abeokuta was part of a larger effort by the Recovery Advocacy Network to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and provide resources for those affected.

The initiative also aims to educate young people on the importance of making informed decisions and staying away from substances that could jeopardize their future.

The Enugu State Government has pledged to present evidence against Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing him of inciting violence and exploiting the Igbo people.

Simon Ekpa was recently arrested in Finland and charged with spreading terrorist propaganda, a case linked to activities dating back to 2021.

His arrest has been welcomed as a crucial step toward restoring peace in Nigeria’s southeast, a region plagued by violence allegedly linked to his IPOB faction.

Describing Ekpa as a “criminal and fraudster,” the Enugu government claimed he thrives on extorting and manipulating Ndigbo under the guise of championing their cause.

It emphasized that his actions have caused significant harm to lives, property, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the southeast.

The state reaffirmed its commitment to providing evidence of Ekpa’s atrocities to ensure justice and aid the ongoing trial. Officials believe this will strengthen peace and stability across the southeast.

Tensions have risen in the Bakassi Peninsula as Cameroonian soldiers detained several Nigerians following the October 1, 2024, kidnapping of Divisional Officer Ewane Roland and another official, Etongo Ismaeil, by gunmen using a flying boat.

According to Eniola Alabo, a former chairman of the Yoruba community in the region, Cameroonian authorities blamed Nigerians for the abduction and conducted raids, detaining individuals and firing shots to intimidate residents. Detained Nigerians included Iseoluwa Eniola, Feran Ajimosun, and others.

The situation escalated when South-West Governor Bernard Okalia visited the area on October 8, declaring a lockdown and ordering residents to produce Roland within 72 hours. The lockdown left many Nigerians unable to work or access food, forcing some to defy the order after weeks of hardship.

In retaliation, Cameroonian soldiers raided Idabato again in mid-November, arresting more Nigerians and injuring others. Churches, which had reopened, were targeted, and pastors, including Adeleke Omoniye and Etim Asuquo, were arrested.

Nigerian community leaders have urged the government to intervene, as fears grow over safety and economic disruptions in the region