Ben Omoike I May 21, 2026
LAGOS, Nigeria — Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse and youth unemployment through rehabilitation and empowerment programmes that recorded 1,072 admissions at rehabilitation centres, 998 successful family reunifications, and the emergence of 18 United Kingdom-based remote workers from a state-backed digital skills initiative.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, disclosed this on Thursday at a Ministerial news conference in Alausa, Ikeja.
Ogunlende said the interventions formed part of the state government’s broader strategy to address rising cases of substance abuse, mental health challenges, youth unemployment, and social vulnerability across Lagos State.
According to him, the Rehabilitation Training Centre admitted 1,072 rehabilitees during the review period, while 998 persons, including foreign nationals, were successfully reunited with their families after completing rehabilitation and counselling programmes.
He explained that rehabilitees received vocational training in tailoring, barbing, phone repairs, horticulture, catering, and other trades aimed at helping them reintegrate economically into society.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government expanded rehabilitation facilities at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys by increasing bed capacity from 60 to 120 in response to growing admissions linked to drug abuse and behavioural challenges among youths.
According to him, the centre also recorded 145 new admissions within the review period as the government intensified interventions targeting substance abuse among young persons.
Ogunlende stated that the Sanwo-Olu administration continued to strengthen advocacy and sensitisation through the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse initiative in collaboration with schools, security agencies, religious organisations, and community stakeholders.
“Drug abuse remains one of the major social threats confronting young people today. Beyond rehabilitation, the State Government is creating pathways for empowerment, economic inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods for our youths,” Ogunlende said.
Highlighting the government’s youth empowerment drive, the commissioner revealed that over 1,000 applications were received for the Supahands Digital Programme designed to equip young Lagosians with globally competitive digital skills.
He said 25 youths were shortlisted for intensive training in digital and remote work skills, out of which 18 successfully secured remote employment opportunities with United Kingdom-based companies.
Ogunlende added that the ministry also empowered young entrepreneurs through the Amplifier Business Clinic Programme, where 10 youth-led businesses received grants worth N20 million to support business expansion and innovation.
According to him, the initiative was targeted at reducing unemployment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting financial independence among youths in Lagos State.
The commissioner stressed that the state government would continue investing in rehabilitation, skills acquisition, mental health support, and digital empowerment programmes to reduce social vices and create sustainable opportunities for young people across the state.
