The Founder of the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, Chief Chioma Ajunwa (MON), has raised serious concerns about the lack of adequate government support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are working to drive meaningful grassroots development. She made these remarks during the World Drug Day event held at the National Stadium, Lagos, organized by the Foundation in partnership with the Chinese Community in Nigeria.
World Drug Day, marked annually on June 26, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting preventive action, particularly among the youth. This year’s event brought together students, young athletes, and community stakeholders to encourage early intervention and support for drug-free living.
Chief Ajunwa highlighted that the scale of work required to positively transform communities cannot be handled by individuals or NGOs alone. She emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts, calling on the government, private sector, and civil society to support initiatives that focus on youth empowerment and public health education.
Drawing from her experience as Nigeria’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Chief Ajunwa underscored the importance of discipline, mentorship, and drug-free living as the foundation for achieving greatness. She reflected on her own journey and explained how her athletic career was shaped by positive values and a strong support system. Elements she now works to instill in young people through her foundation.
She expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of drug addiction, especially among young people and athletes, stressing that early mentorship is vital in preventing substance abuse. She outlined the role her foundation is playing in mentoring young people, advocating for healthier lifestyle choices, and discouraging drug use from an early age.
In addition, Chief Ajunwa noted the growing trend of youth exhibiting negative behavior patterns, including disrespect toward parents and teachers. She described this as a worrisome development and called on the government to consider laws that protect adults from youth aggression and ensure that moral discipline is upheld within families and institutions.
She urged parents, coaches, teachers, and community leaders to take active roles in shaping the values of young people. According to her, the lifestyle choices of adults often leave strong impressions on children and adolescents, and negative role modeling can have long term consequences.
Reinforcing the foundation’s commitment, Chief Ajunwa stated that beyond drug prevention outreach, the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation also extends support to widows and vulnerable individuals through various empowerment programs.
Delivering a message of solidarity, the Chairman of China Industrial Commercial Enterprise in Nigeria, Mr. Eric Ni, commended the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation for its tireless efforts in safeguarding the future of Nigerian youth. He emphasized that staying away from drugs is crucial for young people to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to nation building.
Ni affirmed that the Chinese Community in Nigeria remains committed to supporting the foundation’s mission, which he described as one anchored in hope, discipline, and national progress.
As the world reflects on the significance of World Drug Day, initiatives like this reinforce the importance of community led action, youth mentorship, and strategic advocacy in the fight against substance abuse. With continued engagement, education, and support, the vision of a drug-free generation remains achievable.
