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  • Obasa, Tinubu-Ojo announce fundraising art exhibition for BATCAV

    Obasa, Tinubu-Ojo announce fundraising art exhibition for BATCAV

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, in collaboration with the Grand Host, Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has unveiled plans for a major fundraising art exhibition to support the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre for Arts and Vocations (BATCAV).

    The announcement was made on Tuesday at a press conference in Lagos, where stakeholders revealed details of the exhibition, scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at the Muson Centre, Victoria Island. The event will be curated by Artifact Galleries.

    BATCAV is envisioned as a national institution aimed at empowering more than 100,000 Nigerians through arts, crafts, and vocational training, while strengthening the country’s creative economy and preserving its cultural heritage.

    Addressing journalists, Obasa, who serves as the Official Host of the event, described the initiative as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. He said the Centre would connect talent development with enterprise, enhance cultural preservation, and position Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s creative industry.

    In her remarks, Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo подчерк emphasized the broader national significance of the exhibition, noting that the initiative goes beyond showcasing art to driving long-term social and economic impact.

    “This is not merely an art event, but a collective commitment to legacy, opportunity, and the preservation of our cultural memory,” she said.

    She called on leaders, institutions, and philanthropists to rally behind the project to build a Centre that will serve future generations.

    The Event Chairman and Foundation Patron, Dr. Abbey Onas, reaffirmed his full support for the initiative, highlighting BATCAV’s practical and sustainable framework.

    According to him, the Centre will not only train participants but also link graduates with financial institutions to access start-up capital immediately after training, creating a direct pathway from skill acquisition to sustainable livelihoods.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Agege residents hail Obasa over 50% rebate sales

    Also acknowledged at the press conference was Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko, the Major Supporter of the exhibition. Organisers noted that his backing has been instrumental in advancing preparations and mobilising key strategic partnerships for the event.

    The fundraising exhibition will feature the unveiling of hyper-realistic portrait paintings of prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; all state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; selected senators and members of the House of Representatives; the Ooni of Ife and his wives; as well as notable business and public figures such as Rasaq Okoya, Folashade Okoya, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Seyi Tinubu, Layal Tinubu, Olu Okeowo, Lady Adejoke Okeowo, Esther Ajayi, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, among others.

    According to the organisers, BATCAV’s objectives include training over 100,000 Nigerians in arts and vocational skills; housing 1,000 portrait paintings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to document his journey from senator to president; preserving 5,000 artworks by Nigerian artists across all states; and showcasing 4,000 artworks by artists from across Africa, thereby positioning Nigeria as a continental cultural hub.

    The organisers further call on corporate organisations, cultural institutions, and members of the public to participate in the exhibition and support the establishment of BATCAV, which they described as “a living archive, a training ground, and a launchpad for the future of African creativity.”

  • Yuletide: Agege residents hail Obasa over 50% rebate sales

    Yuletide: Agege residents hail Obasa over 50% rebate sales

    Residents of Agege Local Government have been singing the praises of their council chairman, Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, for the introduction of Christmas 50 per cent Special Sales Initiative.

    The action, they said, demonstrated Obasa’s responsive and compassionate governance through the implementation of its a strategic intervention designed to make essential food items more affordable for households across the council.

    According to them, the initiative provided residents with access to key food commodities at 50 percent subsidised rates, ensuring that the joy and warmth of the Christmas season are not diminished by financial constraints. Items made available under the programme include chickens, vegetable oil, and rice.

    Obasa said true leadership is measured not by words spoken, but by lives touched and ability to ease burdens of the people.

    Read Also: Nigeria can earn $10bn yearly from cashew industry, says NCAN

    The gesture, he said, was deliberate to ease the prevailing economic burden on residents.

    “Beyond its immediate economic relief, this intervention stands as a remarkable milestone to make the yuletide memorable for our people,” he said.

    He urged the residents to continue supporting the council activities.

    He said: “Rather than allowing governance to remain at the level of promises, we have persistently translated our vision into action, placing food on tables, easing household pressures, and restoring dignity to families. Each phase of the subsidy market has strengthened public trust, reinforced community unity, and renewed hope among residents that their government is not distant, but present and responsive.

  • Obasa’s journey of grace and grind from Agege to Alausa

    Obasa’s journey of grace and grind from Agege to Alausa

    By Adeshina Oyetayo

    The distance between Agege and Alausa is just about six kilometres. Barring the ubiquitous Lagos traffic snarls, it would take a mere 10 minutes or less to drive from one end to the other. However, in outlook, opportunities for growth, quality of life, and other socio-economic indices, the gap between the two places is as wide as the Grand Canyon.

    Until a few years ago, Agege was a boisterous, gritty neighbourhood where it was easier for a young man without direction to lose his way than to succeed. Alausa, by contrast, is calm and orderly—a middle-class neighbourhood where life seems bright and beautiful. It also houses the seat of the Lagos State Government, where decisions shaping Nigeria’s economic powerhouse are made.

    Thus, transitioning from the tough streets of Agege, with its self-reinforcing poverty traps and systemic barriers, to becoming a power broker in Alausa is no small feat. It takes exceptional grit, grind, and grace. That is why the story of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, remains a testament to uncommon perseverance and purpose that will continue to inspire and resonate through the ages.

    Obasa’s rise and relevance in the politics of Lagos State reads like that of the intrepid mushroom that pierces the motionlessness of earth, pushing relentlessly, through faint form, till the hour of fertility strikes. From an early age, he pounded against oblivion with defiant rhythm, immersing himself in grassroots politics in Agege, and he was entrusted with key leadership roles including, among others, serving as zonal chairman, executive committee member, and campaign committee chairman.

    When the time came, the Lagos State University, LASU, law graduate contested and won election into the Agege Local Government Legislative Council as a Councillor in Ward E and went on to serve as Deputy Leader. That was between 1999 and 2003. At the end of that stewardship, Obasa contested and convincingly won his election into the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to represent Agege Constituency 1 in 2003.

    His constituents have re-elected him in successive election cycles, and he is currently in his sixth term as a legislator. At the inauguration of the Eighth Legislative Assembly in 2015, Obasa was unanimously elected as the speaker; a feat he repeated at the Ninth and 10th Assemblies. By 2027, he would become arguably the longest-serving state legislator in the country and the longest-serving Speaker of the Lagos State Assembly.

    And he has repaid that trust implicitly reposed in him by his constituents with the massive, mouth-watering infrastructures he has attracted to Agege that have rejuvenated the look and feel of the area, which many now fondly call Mini London. There is hardly an untarred road in the entirety of Agege, thanks to Speaker Obasa. Significantly, there is a new flyover at the hitherto chaotic Pen Cinema junction that has improved traffic management and increased the value of real estate in Agege and neighbouring communities.

    Indeed, that flyover has reduced the travel time between Agege and Alausa, just like Obasa’s story has made it clear that an Agege-bred can rise to the acme of their career if they dared to dream. That is why he invests heavily in his people in the area of improved access to education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, security, and grassroots and youth empowerment, among others.

    On Tuesday, November 11, Obasa turns a year older. Though not a landmark birthday worthy of any celebration, if you have walked in his shoes, survived many political landmines and outright treachery, you would understand that this particular birthday calls for the grandest celebration and thanksgiving. Indeed, he has so many reasons to be thankful.

    Earlier in the year, precisely on January 19, Obasa was abruptly ‘removed’ from office by his colleagues in the House of Assembly, the same Assembly he had led over the past decade with unparalleled distinction and diplomacy.

    Read Also: UN, EU pledge support for improved human rights protection in Nigeria

    Though he was out of the country when the purported removal was orchestrated on the floor of the House that he had orbited for the past 22years, he hurriedly returned home to reclaim his mandate. Obasa was quoted in several media reports that he was not against being removed as Speaker, which he said was not a family title, but that things should be done legally and constitutionally.

    After several interventions by well-meaning elders of the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Obasa was reinstated on March 3, bringing an end to the most turbulent 49days ever experienced in the assembly and, by extension, the state. A federal high court would later declare that the action of January 19 was illegal, unconstitutional, and null and void. The court also nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly held on that day. Instructively, this incident happened in the very year he celebrates his 10th anniversary as Speaker.

    During a plenary sitting last June, members of the Assembly unanimously lauded Obasa’s ‘sterling leadership, legislative depth, strategic foresight, and firm protection of institutional integrity over the last decade’, concurring that it is no easy feat to serve as a speaker for this long, especially within the challenging political landscape of Lagos State.

    They also variously described his tenure as progressive, prodigious, and impactful while proposing to establish a legislative institute and an annual legislative awards ceremony to commemorate the milestone. The lawmakers reckoned that Speaker Obasa deserves all the plaudits that come his way for, especially, elevating the Lagos State House of Assembly “to be the leading light and pathfinder for Nigerian and African Legislatures.”

    And for his riveting contributions, achievements, and steadfast devotion to the socio-economic prosperity and progress of the state, and the welfare and developmental needs of the people, which have become a considerable part of the success story of Lagos State, no day in his life should go without being celebrated.

    As friends and associates, colleagues and party faithful fall over themselves in celebration of this legislator par excellence, there is an undercurrent of posers whether the ‘Agege Boy’ will hearken to the call to transfer his legislative and political ingenuity to the Governor’s Office, Alausa, in 2027. Time, as always, will tell. For now, let the bourbon and bubbly froth over while the ‘birthday boy’ bobs and weaves in exultation for clocking another year on firma.

    • Oyetayo is special adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation to Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly,  Mudashiru Obasa

  • Agege legislative council confirms Obasa as chairman after Azeez’s resignation

    Agege legislative council confirms Obasa as chairman after Azeez’s resignation

    The 10th Assembly of the Agege Legislative Council, led by Hon. Adeshina Haruna, on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Hon. Tunde Azeez Disco as Chairman of Agege Local Government, paving the way for a new leadership structure in the council.

    Azeez stepped down citing health challenges that had hindered his ability to perform his duties. 

    The councillors commended his service and wished him a speedy recovery.

    Following deliberations, the council unanimously approved Hon. AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa as the substantive Chairman of Agege Local Government. The decision was described as key to ensuring continuity, stability, and effective governance in the council.

    During the plenary session, lawmakers also carried out a strategic review of the council’s committee system and oversight functions, with emphasis on strengthening transparency, accountability, and project monitoring across the local government.

    Read Also: Obasanjo, Sasakawa chief meet to deepen pact in agriculture

    The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to delivering development-driven initiatives to residents of Agege under its renewed leadership and legislative oversight framework.

    Speaking with The Nation, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege, Rotimi Sulaiman, hailed the transition, describing Azeez’s resignation as a thoughtful move.

    “Hon. Tunde Azeez has been long sick and his decision to resign and devote his attention to his health rather than being weighed down by the responsibility of that office is the wise decision any sane person should take,” he said.

    He also praised Obasa, noting that “the beneficiary of that excellent decision, Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, is a visionary young man who in the last few months of Azeez’s absence has demonstrated uncommon capacity. I think Agege is lucky to have both men.”

  • Obasa urges judiciary to tackle cybersecurity challenges in AI-driven justice system

    Obasa urges judiciary to tackle cybersecurity challenges in AI-driven justice system

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has called on the state judiciary to collaborate with other arms of government in addressing pressing cybersecurity concerns within an AI-driven justice system.

    Speaking at the 2025/26 new legal year summit themed “Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Justice System: The Bar, The Bench, and Ethical Concerns” held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, on Tuesday, September 23, Obasa commended the judiciary for its commitment to timely justice delivery.

    He stressed the importance of synergy among government institutions in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity, noting, “It is imperative for all arms of government, particularly the judiciary, to synergise in tackling the challenges posed by cybersecurity.”

    “We must ensure that the legal framework adapts to the rapidly evolving technological landscape to safeguard the rights and interests of Lagosians.”

    The Speaker highlighted the necessity of leveraging legal tools to enhance the safety and security of citizens.

    “As we embrace technology, we must also take proactive steps to protect our citizens from potential threats. The Lagos State House of Assembly is committed to backing up the provision of necessary facilities and support to ensure that justice is delivered without hindrance,” he assured attendees.

    The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, delivered remarks that underscored the importance of this collaboration. He emphasised that the integration of technology into the legal system must go hand-in-hand with ethical considerations and effective governance.

    Justice Pedro echoed Dr Obasa’s sentiments and called for a careful examination of the ethical implications surrounding the use of AI in the judiciary.

    “The integration of AI into our justice system presents both opportunities and challenges. We must ensure that our ethical standards evolve in tandem with technological advancements,” Pedro remarked.

    Professor Lanre Fagbohun (SAN), former Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, LASU, urged attendees to embrace AI rather than fear it.

    “We must learn to be the masters of AI, using it to enhance our judicial processes rather than allowing it to dictate our actions,” he stated.

    The summit served as a vital platform for legal experts, policymakers, and members of the state’s judiciary to engage in meaningful discussions about the intersection of technology, law, and ethics, with the ultimate goal of fortifying the justice system in Lagos State as the new legal year begins.

  • Obasa: No party can displace APC in 2027

    Obasa: No party can displace APC in 2027

    The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has expressed strong conviction that the 2027 election will be a walk-over for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just as Ojokoro LCDA reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s victory.

    Obasa made the declaration over the weekend at the launching of ‘Tinubu 2027’ in Ojokoro LCDA in a bid to galvanize support for President Tinubu’s victory.

    At the carnival-like event held at the Local Government Playing Ground, Ojokoro LCDA, Obasa commended the council area for leading the charge in mobilizing support for Tinubu while urging them to match their words with actions such as increasing advocacy on the need for eligible voters to get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).

    He also called for peace among the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council area, stressing the need for a united and formidable front heading into the elections.

    While expressing confidence that the election will be a walkover for Tinubu, he urged political leaders, elected officials, and appointees across the council area to play their parts assiduously.

    “The President is doing wonderfully well. Within two years his achievements are unprecedented, we can imagine what more he will still do. Let’s play our parts by being available to our people and by drawing them closer. If we do this, I am sure the election will be a walk-over for APC and President Bola Tinubu come 2027,” Obasa said.

    READ ALSO: How to curb Corruption in Nigeria

    Earlier in his remarks, the coordinator, Hon. Emmanuel Olotu, declared that the move had become necessary to prove that the council area remains Tinubu’s stronghold and to muster support for his re-election.

    Olotu, who is the lawmaker representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, further hinged the initiative on Tinubu’s unprecedented successes since assuming office in 2023, reiterating that “indeed, a good turn deserves another.”

    The Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, emphasized that the council has put structures in place to galvanize massive support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

    While highlighting President Tinubu’s strides in retooling the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians, Olotu called on all and sundry to rally round the former Lagos State Governor in his sincere quest to cement Nigeria’s status as a true giant of Africa.

    In his own remarks, Oba Williams Adeshoga, the Olorile of Agbado, corroborated the claims that Tinubu deserves to be re-elected on the basis of his transformational strides in setting Nigeria on the path of all-round prosperity. He assured that traditional rulers and various community heads (Baales) across Ojokoro would complement the efforts of the political class in rallying support for the APC.

    The head of the Hausa Community, Balarabe Musa, the Eze-Audi of Ndigbo in Ojokoro, and other socio-cultural leaders who mobilized their members in hundreds to the event, also shared Adeshoga’s sentiments and pledged their unalloyed and continued support for Tinubu.

    Other notable dignitaries in attendance included the member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo; the Council Chairman, Mrs. Oluyemisi Rosiji; the Paramount Ruler of Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Land, HRM Oba Oluwalambe Taiwo; former House of Assembly Member, Hon. Ipoola Omisore; former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Hon. Idris Salako; former Managing Director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), Barrister Mobolaji Sanusi; and former Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Hon. Idowu Tijani, among others.

  • Obasa denies reports on next political move

    Obasa denies reports on next political move

    Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has dismissed claims that he openly declared his next political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Obasa clarified that he did not state his intentions to contest for governorship or a senatorial seat during a live appearance on TVC’s programme; ‘Beyond the Headlines.’

    “As a politician, you must wait for the hierarchy of the party to determine where they want you to go; whether as a lawmaker, governor, or senator.

    “People should not be misled or try to misinterpret the party’s plans. Let all tension calm down. Our main focus is how to move the country forward. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making significant progress day by day,” Obasa explained.

    While stating that he is not retiring from politics yet, Obasa said that he remains mindful of life after public service.

    “Nigeria is our home, our party is our strength, and those of us in the APC are family members. The APC is getting stronger every day,” he said.

    Responding to questions about his future ambitions, Obasa added: “Life is next. So let’s concentrate on living that life.”

    Explaining the realities of political aspirations, the Speaker noted that ambition must be balanced with party discipline.

    “When we talk about politics, you have to be a member of a political party, and as a member, you must believe in the leadership of that party. 

    “At some point, you cannot determine what’s next for you on your own. Of course, you may aspire to become something, but you still have to respect the party and how it is managed.

    “The party leaders will eventually sit down and decide who goes where. So, whether as a Speaker, Deputy Governor, Governor, or Senator, it’s all about consultation and engagement with party leaders. As an individual, you must align with the process,” Obasa said. 

  • Lagos Assembly to streamline marriage registration and dissolution laws

    Lagos Assembly to streamline marriage registration and dissolution laws

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has emphasized the need for laws that protect both partners and children in marriages.

    This was stated during the second reading of Marriage and Dissolutions (Except Marriages under the Marriage Act) (Registration) Bill, 2025. “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Registration of Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage (Except Marriage under the Act) in Lagos State and for Other Connected Matters”.

    The proposed bill seeks to streamline the legal framework for marriage documentation and ensure proper record-keeping for marriages and dissolutions across the State, including administrative and official verification purposes.

    Speaking on the proposed bill, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale stated that many marriage-related legal cases are often complex for legal practitioners due to unclear documentation.

    Read Also: AGF seeks adequate protection for whistleblowers

    Ajomale explained that if the bill is passed into law, it will simplify legal processes around marriage registration and dissolution; assist embassies and foreign missions in verifying marital status during visa applications, as well as support uniform marriage record systems especially across the IBILE division (Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe).

    In his contribution, Hon. Abiodun Tobun described the bill as progressive and in line with the modern standards of marriage regulation.

    He stressed that the proposed bill gives both husband and wife a clear understanding of their rights under customary marriage and empowers them to enter and exit marriages within the boundaries of the Law.

    However, he expressed concerns over individuals who interfere with marriage proceedings and suggested that the bill should include penalties for such intrusions.

    Emphasizing the need for a proper marriage database, Hon. Bonu Solomon noted that Lagos State is moving towards aligning with global best practices in marriage regulation.

    He opined that any dissolution of marriage must go through court intervention for legality and fairness.

    Similarly, he observed that sanctions for single mothers who end marriages without legal backing and husbands who neglect their marital responsibilities should be included in the Bill.

    Hon. Aro Moshood remarked that the bill when passed into law, would grant more legal structure to male responsibilities in marriages.

    He also suggested that the Law should permit distance marriages, allowing individuals to legally marry across borders through established legal channels.

    Lending her voice, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, stressed the importance of child welfare and calls for the inclusion of provision for full child support, especially in cases of broken marriages, to ensure that minors are adequately cared for under the Law.

    Speaker Obasa thereafter committed the proposed Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further legislative scrutiny.

  • LG election: Obasa urges residents to vote for APC

    LG election: Obasa urges residents to vote for APC

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has called on residents of the state to vote overwhelmingly for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12.

    Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Obasa emphasised that the APC remains committed to grassroots development and has a proven track record of delivering for the people.

    He noted that Lagos State continues to outperform other states in the country due to the consistent leadership of progressive-minded individuals who prioritise the welfare of citizens.

    “The incoming chairmen and councillors will perform if given the mandate to serve. At the primaries, we voted for those we trust and believe in.

    “We urge Lagos residents to support them. Our party knows how to make life better for the people, and we intend to do even more,” he said.

    Earlier, on Tuesday, during a strategic meeting held at the Assembly complex with APC candidates from the Lagos West Senatorial District, Obasa charged them to intensify their efforts through door-to-door campaigns and grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory at the polls.

    In a show of solidarity, the Speaker made a generous financial contribution to support the campaign activities of the candidates and reassured them of the Assembly’s unwavering support before and after the elections.

    Addressing the gathering, which included APC chairmanship, vice-chairmanship, and councillorship candidates, Obasa urged them not to rely solely on the party’s popularity but to sustain aggressive outreach until the final day of campaigning.

    Read Also: Drug abuse battle: Marwa, Obasa call for joint action

    “Engage every member of the community, regardless of ethnicity or religion,” he said, stressing the need for candidates to directly supervise their campaign teams.

    He further charged them to adopt a service-oriented mindset upon assuming office, stating:

    “Your focus should be on serving your constituents with integrity and commitment. You must also uphold democratic values and institutions,” he said.

    The Speaker also spoke about Lagos State’s unique governance model, pointing out that it remains one of the few states where local government chairmen enjoy a full four-year tenure, an advantage that allows for long-term planning and impactful grassroots development.

  • Drug abuse battle: Marwa, Obasa call for joint action

    Drug abuse battle: Marwa, Obasa call for joint action

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackling drug abuse and mental health challenges in Nigeria. 

    This is as the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa emphasises the imperativeness of legislative support in tackling the dual crisis of drug abuse and mental illness.

    Speaking at the 7th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) held in Lagos, Marwa emphasized that the role of pharmacists is critical in the fight against substance misuse.

    Stakeholders and experts, among other dignitaries at the event included Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC (represented by Dr. Rametu Momodu), PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, and mental health expert Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, who delivered the keynote address.

    Marwa described substance abuse as a public health emergency that requires the active involvement of professionals across the health sector. 

    He noted that pharmacists are strategically positioned to identify, prevent, and manage the misuse of drugs, especially with the rise in the illegal sale of prescription medications. 

    He also acknowledged the efforts of the PSN in reforming Nigeria’s retail drug sector through the passage of the Pharmacists Council Bill Act 2023.

    “Mental health is not just the absence of illness; it is a state of well-being that allows individuals to contribute to their communities. 

    “Behind every drug user is a family in distress. That’s why a holistic and inclusive strategy is essential,” Marwa said.

    Also speaking, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, highlighted the intersection between mental health and substance abuse, stressing that untreated mental illness contributes to societal instability. 

    He reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to integrating mental health services into the primary healthcare system through the 2018 Mental Health Science Law.

    Obasa called on pharmacists to play an active role in detecting counterfeit drugs and supporting drug regulation. 

    He assured BOF-PSN of legislative support in tackling the dual crisis of drug abuse and mental illness.

    Earlier, the National Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN), Pharm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama disclose that the body is set for a nationwide awareness campaign on the epidemic of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria, 

     He said the campaign initiative, themed “Mental Health as a Basic Human Right’, aims to educate Nigerians in all regions about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of mental health. 

    Read Also: Marwa commends MFM, Olukoya over fight against drug abuse

    Apakama said the campaign would target both urban and rural communities to ensure no one is left behind.

    According to him, the campaign by BOF-PSN is expected to roll out nationwide in the coming months with collaboration from public health institutions and regulatory agencies.

    The keynote speaker, Dr. Abiri underscored that mental health affects everyone and stressed the need for increased awareness and stronger support systems to help people cope with life pressures. 

    “The good news today is that we all have mental health. It’s important to understand that we are all on a continuum, and depending on the life challenges we face, our resilience, and the support systems available to us, we can thrive or struggle under pressure,” she said.

    She said tackling mental health and drug abuse requires collective responsibility from all sectors.