Naija Poetry Fest Marks International Drug Day with Poetry, Performance and Purpose

Conversations around drug prevention assumed a powerful creative dimension as Naija Poetry Fest Community, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, and The Haiku Foundation, commemorated the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an inspiring blend of poetry, performance, education and advocacy.

Held on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at the Alliance Française Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, the event convened health advocates, literary enthusiasts, educators, artists and members of the public under the global theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.” The programme underscored the urgent need for collective responsibility in combating substance abuse through awareness, prevention, education and sustained community engagement.

Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Ibiba Odili, retired Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN), urged participants to understand that the battle against drug abuse begins with individual choices. Drawing from decades of experience in narcotics control and youth advocacy, she stressed that while institutions have critical roles to play, lasting change is born from personal discipline, informed decisions and shared societal values.

Her compelling message echoed throughout the programme, reinforcing the truth that genuine freedom is reflected in the choices people make each day and that prevention remains humanity’s strongest defence against the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

True to Naija Poetry Fest Community’s vision of deploying literature and the arts as instruments of social transformation, the event seamlessly intertwined thought-provoking discussions with captivating artistic performances.

Renowned movement artist Damodance delivered a breathtaking fusion of contemporary African dance and spoken word, transforming the stage into a living canvas that celebrated resilience, hope and the triumph of responsible choices over destructive habits. Through expressive choreography and poetic storytelling, the performance vividly illustrated the emotional realities surrounding addiction while inspiring courage and renewal.

Complementing the afternoon’s reflective atmosphere was celebrated trumpeter Mr. Okiki, popularly known as Giddihorns, whose soulful rendition of Heal the World provided a moving musical interlude that resonated deeply with the audience and amplified the programme’s message of healing, compassion and collective responsibility.

The intellectual depth of the gathering was further enriched by insightful contributions from Dr. Animola, AI Wonderwoman, and other distinguished speakers, poets and performers. Their presentations explored themes of youth empowerment, mental wellbeing, emotional resilience, prevention strategies and the indispensable role of families and communities in protecting vulnerable individuals from the scourge of drug abuse.

One of the programme’s highlights was an engaging Haiku Masterclass facilitated by Mr. Uchechukwu Onyedikam of The Haiku Foundation. Participants were introduced to the history, principles and stylistic techniques of the Japanese poetic form, discovering how the discipline and simplicity of Haiku can cultivate mindfulness, creativity and meaningful self-expression. The session offered many attendees their first immersive encounter with Japanese poetry and demonstrated how literary traditions across cultures can foster reflection and personal growth.

Rather than dwelling solely on the dangers associated with substance abuse, the event championed practical solutions rooted in education, artistic engagement and community collaboration. Participants were encouraged to recognise poetry, music, dance and cultural expression as powerful vehicles for prevention—capable of reaching hearts and minds in ways conventional awareness campaigns often cannot.

The programme also reaffirmed Naija Poetry Fest Community’s growing reputation as a leading platform where literature, performance and public discourse converge to address contemporary social challenges. Through strategic partnerships with institutions such as Alliance Française de Lagos and The Haiku Foundation, the organisation continues to demonstrate that the creative arts possess remarkable capacity to influence public consciousness, inspire responsible citizenship and contribute meaningfully to both national and global conversations.

As the event drew to a close, attendees departed with renewed conviction that building a drug-free society is not solely the responsibility of governments or law enforcement agencies. It is a collective obligation shared by individuals, families, educators, artists, institutions and communities alike—one that begins with informed choices, compassionate support systems and the courage to transform lives through knowledge, creativity and purposeful action.

The 2026 International Drug Day celebration once again affirmed Naija Poetry Fest Community’s belief that poetry is more than artistic expression—it is a catalyst for social change, a voice for the vulnerable and a powerful instrument for shaping a healthier, more responsible and compassionate society.